Akwasiase, (Ash), May 12, GNA - Lactating mothers have been urged to observe good personal hygiene to avoid infecting their babies with diseases.

They should thoroughly clean and protect their breasts, hands and bowls used to feed their babies and to make sure that their surroundings were well kept to save children from diarrhea and other infectious diseases.

Mrs Belinda Baffoe-Bonney, Ahafo-Ano North District Director of Health Services, made the call at the launch of 2011 annual district child health promotion week at Akwasiase, near Tepa.

The goal was to educate parents, especially mothers on how to protect themselves and their children from diseases and deaths.

It was also meant to highlight the causes of maternal and child mortality in the area and effective ways of tackling these.

Among the activities lined up are; child immunization, de-worming, vitamin 'A' supplementation, iodated salt promotion and registration of infants below the age of one year.

Mrs Baffoe-Bonney said since most diseases were caused by unhygienic and insanitary conditions in the home environment, it was therefore crucial that mothers maintain high standards of personal hygiene and fed their babies with nutritious food.

They should also sleep in insecticide treated mosquito nets to avoid mosquito bite.

Mrs Baffoe-Bonney spoke of their determination to ensure that Ghana achieved the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of halving maternal and child deaths by year 2015.

She said in line with this, about 77 health outreach points had been created in the district to promote mother and child health.

Mrs Joana Amoakwanda, who represented the Ashanti Regional Director of Health Services, urged mothers not to disregard the advice of nurses and midwives during ante and post-natal clinics.

Mr Kyei Sarpong, assembly member for Akwasiase, commended the health workers for hard work, dedication and professionalism that had helped to significantly improve the health status of the people.

The Chief, Nana Francis Atta, counselled mothers to pay more attention to the health of their babies.