A new national child health record and revised maternal, child and adolescent health manual aimed at improving maternal and child health in Saint Lucia are expected to be rolled out in January 2020 following its recent launch by the Department of Health & Wellness.
This new national child health record will serve as a tool to monitor a child’s growth, development and use of health services from birth to five years.
Principal Nursing Officer for Dennery Hospital Alicia Baptiste spoke on the significance of the maternal and child health manual.
“This manual is a booklet containing information on safe pregnancy, delivery and child health. It ensures continuity of care and provides health education to parents. As such, it will prove to be an effective tool in promoting and protecting the health of mothers and children. Maternal and child health has and continues to be a major priority area for the government of Saint Lucia and the Community Nursing Service.”
Minister for Health & Wellness Sen. Hon. Mary Isaac says she is extremely pleased with the launch of the child health record and revised maternal and child health manual as it demonstrates the Ministry’s commitment to improving maternal and child health service delivery.
“The manual is a guide for practice in the management and care of the mother, father and baby and both documents help to support SDG3 which is good health and well-being and SDG5 which is gender equality. I am very impressed that throughout this presentation this morning and in the book itself, there is an emphasis on mother, father and child.”
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Merlene Fredericks-James says she is extremely grateful for the support of individuals from both the public and private sector working to ensure the establishment of the new child health record and revised maternal and child health manual.
Dr. Fredericks-James also spoke on the great strides made to improve maternal and child health.
“We have been undergoing many initiatives; maybe you will hear us speak more of other initiatives we have been involved in and I know many of you all have been involved in training. We have been doing a lot of training for caring of pregnant mothers, caring for newborns especially for children that are born with difficulties or pre-term births, etc and we will continue those efforts to ensure that we have healthy mothers, healthy babies and healthy children throughout the life span.”