Kunene Regional Health Director, Thomas Shapumba, has urged fathers to fully embrace their parental responsibilities by loving, caring for, and supporting their children, rather than merely fathering them and then disappearing.

He made these remarks at the national commemoration of World Patient Safety Day, held at Opuwo in the Kunene Region, under the theme “Safe Care for Every Newborn and Every Child.”

Shapumba also challenged healthcare workers to deliver quality services to patients, stressing that hospitals should be places of hope and healing, especially for mothers.

He said that when a patient walks into a hospital, particularly a mother, she should enter with hope and leave with healing.

 A mother, he added, should not walk out burdened by pain, disappointment, or mistreatment caused by unethical behaviour or poor customer service.

The director emphasised that leaders in the health sector must prioritise safety for children and mothers by promoting strong leadership, building a culture of care, and creating safe environments.

He further underscored the importance of ensuring that all clinical procedures remain secure and effective.