Awards presented for contributions to maternal and newborn care

Special lectures and discussions aim to raise public awareness

[123RF]
[123RF]

South Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs held a ceremony Thursday afternoon at Hotel Naru M Gallery in Mapo-gu, Seoul, ahead of Pregnant Women's Day on Saturday.

Held under the theme "The most beautiful name in the world — Mom," the event drew about 200 attendees, including pregnant women, their families and individuals recognized for promoting pregnancy- and childbirth-friendly policies. The gathering aimed to reaffirm the social importance of childbirth and encourage healthy pregnancies.

The Regional Maternal and Neonatal Medical Center at Chungnam National University Hospital, a hub institution for the treatment and management of high-risk mothers and newborns, received a presidential commendation at this year's ceremony. The center was recognized for treating a cumulative total of roughly 9,900 high-risk mothers and newborns and for establishing a patient transfer and transport system that has contributed to improving maternal health.

Kim Jin-o, vice chairman of the Presidential Committee on Demographic Strategy, said in a congratulatory address that "the joy of childbirth should be shared by society as a whole, and the difficulties of child-rearing should be shouldered together." He added that the government would serve as a reliable support at every stage — from preparing for pregnancy through childbirth, recovery and child-rearing — so that the desire to have children is not dampened by concerns over health, work or care. He said the government would also work to ease the child-rearing and housing burdens on families with multiple children to create an environment where parents can raise their children with peace of mind.

Hyun Su-yeop, first vice minister of Health and Welfare, said he hoped the 21st Pregnant Women's Day would serve as an occasion for warm consideration and action from society. "We will develop policies with greater care and work with local governments to build an environment where pregnant women are respected and can raise their children freely," he said.


thlee@heraldcorp.com