Mining company supports fight to reduce child mortality

Kinross Chirano Mines acting in partnership with United States (US)-based NGO, Project Cure, has launched a project train selected midwives and nurses in the mining operation area, in baby resuscitation during delivery.

The goal of the US$ 865,000 seven-year project is to build the capacity and equip health professionals with the techniques and skills to save babies, who might not be breathing properly at birth, from dying.

Already 24, midwives and nurses from the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai and Sefwi-Wiawso Districts, had been taken through a two-day practical training for the purpose.

Nana Nyarko Darkwa, Human Resource and Community Relations Manager of the Mine, said there was also a component that involved medical supplies to health facilities in the two districts.

He said the expectation was that the quality of healthcare for pregnant women and their babies would significantly improve and reduce the child mortality rate.

Dr. Alex Obeng, Medical Superintendent of the Bibiani Government Hospital, said the donation of medical supplies and training of the health professionals had come to boost health delivery in the area.

The intervention could not have come at a better time given the financial constraints aggravated by the late reimbursement of health insurance claims and other logistical challenges.

He called on other businesses in the area to contribute to efforts at helping the facility to operate smoothly.

Mr. Jacob Ware, District Chief Executive (DCE) for Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai, hailed the project and pledged the support of the two assemblies.

He praised the mining company for living up to its social responsibility to the people.

Miss Jennifer Manhoff, Director of Clinics and Training Programs, Project Cure, noted that the inability of many a midwife and nurses to help babies to breathe properly during delivery was a major cause of deaths among newborn babies.