First Lady Lordina Mahama, has reiterated the need to give children the care and attention that would enable them grow into responsible and useful adults.

“As a mother, when it comes to children and their education and health, I am very passionate and concerned. They are our future leaders. We must give them all the care and attention to grow into responsible adults,” she said.

Mrs Mahama who stated this in Abidjan recently during the state visit by President John Dramani Mahama, said the development of countries in the Sub-Sahara, depends on the health of people, and that begins with each family.

“We have to improve the general well-being of vulnerable populations especially children and women,” she said.

As part of the visit, Mrs Mahama joined her Ivoirian counterpart, Mrs Dominique Ouattara, at a ceremony, to donate assorted items to the General Hospital of Yopougon in Abidjan.

Among the items were office desk and chairs, computers, wheelchairs, baby cots and carriers, ward partition stands, diapers, made in Ghana Chocolate; rice grown and packed in Ghana; drinks and hospital clothing.

The two First Ladies later toured the maternity and paediatric wards of the hospital to interact with the children and women on admission as they shared words of comfort with mothers and their children on admission.

“To you the mothers of the sick children here, I have only one message for you. Do not lose hope. Your children will be well, and would soon be back to their playful selves and return to school,” Mrs Mahama said.

She commended Mrs Quattara for her passion to bring hope to the poor and needy, as well as the medical officers and other personnel of the hospital for their hard work.

Mrs Mahama indicated that on her part, her organisation, the Lordina Foundation, has been supporting health facilities in rural communities in Ghana to provide good service delivery to women and children.

"I share the same passion and over the years, I have dedicated myself to helping to lift up the poor and vulnerable in my country. Just like you, Madam Ouattara, I support many needy students, and provide comfort to thousands of orphans".

"With support of MedShare USA, we have supported facilities with vital medical supplies and equipment, to supplement government’s efforts," she noted.

She entreated the people to take their health very seriously by visiting the hospital or health centre, not only when they were sick. They should also go for regular checkups, and do what the health officials tell them to enable them stay healthy and alive.

Mrs Mahama expressed her commitment towards the improvement of healthcare delivery systems and also to ensure a reduction and elimination of maternal and infant deaths.