Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda on Moday officially opened a K49 million Kwitanda Maternity Wing in Balaka with a call for health workers to ensure improved healthy service delivery in the country.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chiponda said the Maternity Wing constructed in Traditional Authority Nsamala will play a crucial role in fighting against poor health service delivery in the district.

Chiponda acknowledged the long distances as a major maternity challenge the community has been facing.

“Kwitanda Health Center is being given to this community in order to improve the delivery of quality healthcare services.

“Members of this community used to walk long distance to access healthcare services but now that is history,” she said.

The Minister commended developmental partners for their support and commitment in ensuring quality healthcare services in the country, further noting their efforts to eradicate cholera outbreaks in the country.

Prior to the opening of the Health Center, Chiponda launched the oral cholera vaccine camping at Dzimwe Health Center in the district.

Speaking after the launch, World Health Expanded Program on Immunisation leader, Dr, Aisi Akoso pledged total support to ensure access to quality healthcare services for all.

“The opening of the maternity block here ensures access for all in terms of the cholera vaccine deployment, and WHO supported the country to access cholera vaccines. we are also providing technical and financial support for the deployment of these vaccines to the last mile,” She said.

Principal Secretary responsible for administration in the Ministry of Health, James Manyetera said a healthy population as a key milestone for the country to achieve economic sustainable goals.

Member of Parliament (MP) for Balaka South Constituency, Ireen Mambala said women had been experiencing challenges to attain maternity services in the area due to long distance noting the opening of the maternity wing will minimize the challenges.