Members of the Kunene Police Women's Network have engaged with expecting mothers at the Kazetjindire Angelika Muharukua Maternity Waiting Home in Opuwo, educating them about issues on birth registration and postpartum stress disorder that develops after birth, as well as adoption.

The Head of Delegation, Penehupifo Kavungo, stated that as women in uniform, they consider it their duty to care for and support other women in the community.

“It is also a way of giving awareness to our fellow women, because being a policewoman does not deter us to be mothers and sisters who are caring about the other women.”

Focal Person for the Kunene Police Women's Network, Warrant Officer Tabita Kaiko informed mothers-to-be to make use of the Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security satellite office to register their babies before they are discharged.

“Especially in the absence of the father, because as police officers, we always get challenges when, for example, the baby dies, and now the baby does not have a birth certificate. It really becomes very complicated, and especially for the police as well as the community itself. “

Mothers are also urged to prioritise self-care, accept social support and avoid alcohol and recreational drug use, as these are contributing factors to infant mortality.

An expectant mother, Uakukuta Tjambiru at the shelter, expressed her gratitude for the engagement, adding that she learnt more about pregnancy.

The Kazetjindire Angelika Muharukua Maternity Waiting Home in Kunene Region accommodates marginalised expectant mothers from surrounding villages, ensuring they are close to the hospital before they give birth.