PRCS organizes the 3rd Safe Motherhood Committees’ Meeting

(Nablus-29/10/2011): PRCS organized the 3rd Meeting of Safe Motherhood Committees in the Northern West Bank in partnership with the Norwegian and Swedish Red Cross Societies. More than 600 ladies from various age groups from Anabta, Bidya, Toubas, Hajja, Salfit, Qabatia, Jaba’ and Kafel Hares met at Al Bathan Park in Nablus to celebrate their achievements and exchange relevant experiences.

The Meeting was attended by PRCS President Dr. Younis Al khatib, Head of PRCS’ Primary Health Care Department Dr.

Anwar Dweikat and a large number of PRCS staff and volunteers. In his opening speech, Dr. Dweikat praised the great services provided by the committees to society as well as their capacity for self-development. “This program is one of the most successful programs implemented by PRCS in general and the Department in particular”, he said.

As for Dr. Al Khatib, he said: “We are filled with hope and comfort when we see the serious work done by the safe motherhood committees to the benefit of our communities. Success by these committees in the field of community-based and health awareness would not have been achieved had it not been for your efforts and important role. I am delighted to be taking part in this event and I seize this opportunity to congratulate Palestinian mothers and families on the release of the first group of Palestinian detainees and hope to see all Palestinian detainees released from Israeli detention centers. Moreover, I seize this occasion to wish you and your families a happy Eid Al Adha”.

Speaking on behalf of her colleagues, Umm Hammam, a volunteer, said: “the committees work relentlessly to promote voluntary service. I would like to laud the role played by PRCS which provides the greatest health and psycho social services as well as humanitarian assistance in Palestine. We are the soldiers of PRCS, we believe in its principles and work hard to provide assistance and support to various groups including children, women and the elderly as needed”.

Manal Ghanem, another volunteer from Bidya, related her personal experience with the committee and the positive impact it has had on her and her family in a short period of time.

The Meeting also featured popular poetry and proverb recitals as well as a dabkeh dance by children from Kafel Hares. At the end of the meeting, the committees offered symbolic gifts to Dr. Al Khatib, Dr. Dweikat, Ms. Fatima Skeik, Program Coordinator, and to nurse Tahani Awwad.

It is to be noted that this event was held within the Community-based Development Program entitled “Community-based Health and First Aid” implemented by PRCS since 2001 with a view to promoting health conditions in Palestine in partnership with various partners; including the Norwegian and Swedish Red Cross Societies who have been supporting the programme since 2009.