Mama Lowassa to help improve women health

THE wife of Union presidential candidate on Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema) ticket, Mrs Regina Lowassa, has urged women in Kagera region to vote yes in favour of Mr Edward Lowassa, promising that if she becomes the first lady, her priority would be to improve women’s health.

Addressing Chadema members (Bawacha) in Bukoba Municipality on Friday, Mrs Regina Lowassa said the rate of maternal deaths in Tanzania was still high, especially in rural regions where women do not have access to the basic health care needed for a safe delivery, and often live far away from the nearest clinic.

“Approximately 800 women die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth every day, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and 99 per cent of all maternal deaths occur in developing countries. We have to ensure that no woman dies due to pregnancy related complications,” she said.

Mr Lowassa, on the other hand, has promised residents in the region that if he is elected next president, he will ensure that coffee farmers enjoy their sweat by addressing problems facing the agricultural sector and offer attractive prices for the coffee crop.

Mr Lowassa made the remarks during a campaign meeting on Friday held at Fatuma Stadium in Muleba District. He noted that he would ensure that smuggling of the crop to neighbouring countries is brought to an end. Mr Lowassa was expected to address a campaign meeting at Gymkhana stadium in Bukoba municipality yesterday.

Meanwhile, CCM Union presidential candidate, Dr John Pombe Magufuli, will address a campaign meeting in Bukoba Municipality tomorrow, the Kagera Regional CCM Secretary, Mr Ali Idd Ame, has disclosed. Mr Ame has urged candidates vying for various positions to conduct peaceful campaigns.