Ministry striving to reduce maternal death rate

Addis Ababa, November 19 (WIC) - The Ministry of Health (MoH) said it is implementing various programs that enable to reduce maternal death rate in the country.

National Maternal and Child Health Coordinator with MoH, Dr Tewodros Bekele, told WIC today the programs include pre and post natal care, health extension program and family planning services, among others.

Following the realization of the programs, family planning service coverage increased to 20 per cent now from only 15 per cent two years ago, Dr Tewodros.

The ministry is working to increase the percentage of mothers using family planning service to 76 per cent this budget year from 56 per cent last year, he said.

Dr Tewodros said the ministry is organizing and undertaking integrated awareness raising campaigns for accelerated reduction of maternal mortality rate.