New Zealand asked to help curb PNG's maternal deaths
Radio NZ
Last Updated: Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:56:00 +09-30
A Papua New Guinea obstetrician has called on New Zealand to fund and train health workers to help PNG curb its staggering maternal death rate. Doctor Gunzee Gawin told the New Zealand Press Association that PNG has one of the highest maternal death rates in the world. Dr Gawin was in Wellington for the open hearing on maternal health in the Pacific held by New Zealand's parliamentary group on population and development, NZPPD.
Dr Gawin says the risk of a woman dying in childbirth in PNG is one in 20, compared with one in 10-thousand in New Zealand. NZPPD chairwoman, and National MP, Doctor Jackie Blue has acknowledged that PNG had a "massive problem" with its maternal death, and the need for improved family planning and healthcare access.
|
