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As a Dad-to-be I read this article today in the Swazi Observer and it shook my heart. Things like this is not easy to accept and for that matter should never be excepted. I thought it would be a good idea to share this with you our friends and supporters and ask that we will continue to be advocates and prayer warriors for this little country that we love dearly.

Babies dying like flies
By Sibonginkosi Mamba  

Swaziland has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, the ministry of health has revealed.
Out of every 1 000 children born at the country’s hospitals, 587 of them die. Chief Nursing Officer, Thembisile Khumalo disclosed the figures yesterday, noting that the number of babies dying at birth was worrying. 
“We do hope that with the introduction of the health awards, health facilities in the country will fight to improve the situation,” she said.
The recently introduced health awards are a product of the Quality Assurance Programme which it is hoped will improve health service delivery. The health awards have been the dream of the ministry, she explained.
They are in seven categories – best performing facilities and individuals will be awarded. Among the categories the best region, best health facility, best health centre, programme, maternity and clinic will be awarded.

12 responses to “Babies dying like flies.”

  1. Oh my goodness. So sad. We are looking forward to being with you in Swaziland in less that two weeks.
    Greg Starr
    New Hope Church

  2. It’s happening. Something must be done. I recommend that someone who wants to make a difference volunteer a month or two to go and do a study that we use to draw attention to this horror. If you’re interested, please contact us. We can connect you with the people to ensure that it’s done well. Writing and researching skills would be nice. A medical background would be nice, but isn’t necessary.

  3. Man, Jumbo my heart is breaking, I will repost this. I am praying for life over Swaziland, in Jesus name and for His glory to come on His people. His kingdom come on earth in Swazi as it is in heaven!!

  4. Thanks for sharing and keeping our eyes opened and hearts broken Jumbo.

    Jesus please be near those mommies, and babies, and the doctors and nurses who work in those hospitals. Please send people to Swaziland who can bring health and healing and LIFE!

  5. Hi Matt. Your statistics are wrong (or your source is wrong.) The infant mortality rate in Swaziland is 58.8 per thousand. The decimal point has to be moved! Although 58.8/1000 is still high, it is at least ten times lower than the 587/1000 which you quoted on your blog.

  6. Eventhough the stats maybe wrong, whether that is 58.7 or 587 – i think that is still way to many!