Gov’t Intensifying Support for Pregnant and Lactating Women to Safeguard Mothers and Newborns

The Government is intensifying its efforts to support pregnant and lactating women, ensuring they receive the guidance, care, and essential supplies required for safe pregnancies and the healthy development of newborns.

State Minister in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Hon. Krystal Lee, made the disclosure on Tuesday (November 18), during a handover ceremony for WaterStep Bleach Makers at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) headquarters in New Kingston.

Ms. Lee noted that the Ministry has been prioritising vulnerable parishes and extending its reach directly into communities through clinics and outreach teams.

These efforts aim to strengthen maternal and child health services islandwide, ensuring that mothers and infants have access to vital medical care and nutritional support, even in the most remote areas.

Ms. Lee indicated that health teams, including community health aides, doctors, and Ministry officials, have been going directly into communities to engage expectant and lactating mothers, reinforcing best practices and raising awareness around safe pregnancies and healthy newborns.

She announced that the next clinic will be held this Friday in Black River, St. Elizabeth, targeting maternal health.

“Our [community health aides] are out there, our doctors are out there… . I’m out there too, as State Minister, where we’re trying to remind persons of the best practices… of course, a healthy mother, a healthy baby, and what it takes to ensure that both mother and baby are safe,” she added.

Ms. Lee emphasised that the Ministry’s programme is designed to provide continuous, islandwide support – offering nutritional assistance, medication, and other essentials, while also addressing the prevention of mosquito‑borne illnesses and delivering mental health and psychosocial services.

She underscored that the initiative ensures mothers are fully supported in every aspect of their well-being.

Ms. Lee also highlighted that the maternal health programme is integrated within the Ministry’s broader national public health strategy, guided by the Health, Nutrition, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene strategy, developed with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) support.

This framework ensures that communities are equipped with water, sanitation, hygiene, and nutrition interventions, alongside comprehensive primary and secondary care for mothers and infants.

Ms. Lee said the Ministry remains committed to sustaining these interventions across the island, ensuring that every mother and child has access to the care, guidance, and support required to thrive – ultimately contributing to stronger families and healthier communities.