South Africa: Limpopo Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, arrived at Malamulele Hospital to support healthcare workers and welcome Christmas babies.
The MEC was accompanied by the Mayor of Collins Chabane Municipality, Cllr. Maluleke Shadrack.
When she visited the hospital, she congratulated all the mothers and fathers who were blessed with bouncing baby boys and girls. And she stated, “For the first time this Christmas as a province, we were blessed with more boys, 118 than girls, 99. While annual statistics for teenage mothers are decreasing, Regrettably, teenage mothers increased as compared to last year by four from 29 to 33, while overall deliveries decreased from 253 to 217. All mothers and their babies are doing well.”
We urge mothers to breastfeed for six months exclusively, take their children for immunization according to their immunization schedule, and remember our children’s health is our responsibility, said MEC Ramathuba.
Summary of statistics:
1. Vhembe District- 35 boys + 26 girls = 61 babies….
Teenage Mothers = 12
2. Sekhukhune District – 26 boys + 21 girls = 47 babies.
@00h05, a boy weighing 2,8 kg was delivered by a 15 year old and @00h05, a girl weighing 4,4 kg was delivered by a 30 year old.
Teen Mothers= 05
3. Mopani District – 28 boys + 24 girls = 52 babies.
@00h31, a girl weighing 4200g was delivered by 35 year old and @00h45, a boy weighing 3260g was delivered by 16 year old.
Teenager Mothers = 06
4. Waterberg District – 11 boys + 11 girls = 22 babies
A 17 year old mother delivered @00h00, a girl weighing 2810g.
Teenage Mothers= 05
5. Capricorn District – 18 boys + 17 girls = 35 babies.
A 28 year old mother delivered @00h09 a boy weighing 3160g.
Teenage Mothers = 05
Overall statistics per gender and grand total.
Boys = 118
Girls = 99
Grand Total = 217 babies