Maternal health and rights to take centre stage at April 11 mini-expo

APRIL 11 is celebrated as International Day for Maternal Health & Rights. To recognise this day, the Partnership for the Promotion of Patients’ Rights in Maternal, Neonatal & Infant Health in Jamaica (MNIH) will be hosting an outdoor broadcast and mini-health expo at the Half-Way-Tree Transport Centre (Level 3) on Thursday, April 11, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

According to Ruth Howard, communications officer for the MNIH project, the purpose of this mini-expo is to raise the awareness and involvement of the public in affirming the importance of maternal health and rights in Jamaica.

“We know that there are many challenges that come with pregnancy and motherhood, and that being in good health is critical during this time. So we just want to use April 11 as an opportunity to provide information and some free medical services to members of the public,” she said.

Howard noted that there will be free blood pressure and blood glucose testing, as well as free HIV and syphilis testing on the day. She added that there will be plenty information from civil society groups, talks by doctors and other health and wellness professionals, as well as prizes, surprises and giveaways.

“We are inviting women of childbearing age, mothers, parents and guardians, working people and the general public to join us as we salute health and health rights,” said Howard. “And we are making a special appeal to our men to come out and participate as well.”

The mini-expo will showcase the work that MNIH has done so far as part of the Partnership for the Reduction of Maternal & Child Mortality (PROMAC). PROMAC is a critical response by the Ministry of Health to address issues relating to maternal and child mortality in Jamaica, and under this banner, MNIH focuses on advancing human rights in patient care, with special emphasis on advocacy among civil society groups.