World Health Day – “We Need 1,500 Nurses,” Declares Bachoo

In a ceremony marking World Health Day at SAJ Hospital, Health Minister Anil Bachoo acknowledged the strides made in reducing maternal and child mortality rates. However, he did not shy away from the stark reality that much work remains to be done.

Statistics from 2023 reveal that the neonatal mortality rate stands at 8.8 per 1,000 live births, considerably better than the global target of 12.

Similarly, the mortality rate for children under five has reached 14.4, well below the global benchmark of 25.

The maternal mortality ratio, meanwhile, has been recorded at 32 per 100,000 live births, significantly lower than the worldwide goal of 70.

Minister Bachoo clarified that reproductive and maternal health services, alongside paediatric care, are seamlessly integrated into general health services, ensuring mothers receive comprehensive prenatal care including regular health assessments, nutritional guidance, and proactive management of complications.

Moreover, the Minister spotlighted a pressing issue: a critical shortage of healthcare personnel within the system.

He lamented that no adequate recruitment has taken place in the past seven years, stressing that the health sector urgently requires 1,500 more nurses, along with an increase in the number of doctors.

In her address, Dr Anne Ancia, the World Health Organisation representative in Mauritius, elaborated on the focus of this year’s campaign, which is dedicated to improving maternal and newborn health.

She tragically noted that globally, 300,000 women still lose their lives during pregnancy or childbirth, while over 2 million infants do not survive beyond their first month.

Additionally, approximately 2 million stillbirths occur each year.

Dr Ancia emphasised that the WHO continues to engage closely with the Mauritian Ministry of Health to enhance obstetric care and promote mental health, while also tackling non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and obesity—key risk factors contributing to complications during pregnancy.

Notably, this April 7 marks the 77th anniversary of the World Health Organisation, a reminder of its enduring commitment to health improvement across the globe.

Source: Defi Media