The spirit of Christmas came alive across Malawi this year as a total of 1,487 babies were delivered in public healthcare service facilities on December 25.
This is according to the Ministry of Health.
Out of these, 764 are girls while 723 are boys.
Last year, 1,462 babies were born during the corresponding period.
Hospitals and clinics in all corners of the country bustled with activity, welcoming new lives into the world.
From the northern district of Chitipa to the bustling maternity wards of Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Blantyre, the joy of new beginnings brought hope to families.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda has said every life counts.
“Every life saved is a victory, especially on a day as symbolic as Christmas. Their parents will remember this holiday as the day their families grew a true Christmas miracle,” Kandodo Chiponda said
She said as the country reflects on the joy of Christmas births, the Ministry of Health is committed to improving maternal and child health services.
While 484 live births brought smiles to many, Malawi also faced its share of challenges as healthcare workers reported a total of 498 deliveries, which included stillbirths and neonatal complications.
Meanwhile, quality health advocate Maziko Matemba has said there is a need to equip rural clinics and train midwives to reduce cases of neonatal deaths and stillbirths.
“Every life should be saved at all cost,” Matemba said.
Lilongwe continues to lead in birth numbers, with 229 births recorded this year compared to 191 registered last year.
Likoma has registered the lowest number, with one birth this year and none last year.
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