Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko welcomed babies born on Christmas Day at the Sebokeng Regional Hospital.

194 babies were born between midnight and midday at various Gauteng hospitals on Christmas Day.

Nkomo-Ralehoko gifted all the mothers at the Sebokeng Hospital with gift packs that included baby essentials such as nappies, wipes, soap, creams, and baby bathtubs.

Nkomo said the mothers were excited that their babies had been born on such a special day.

The MEC used the opportunity to educate mothers to breastfeed their babies as breastmilk is the optimal food source for babies.

Nkomo-Ralehoko urged mothers to ensure that their babies are immediately registered after birth with the Department of Home Affairs.

“We would also like to urge parents to ensure that their bundles of joy are immunized at regular ages as set out in the Road to Health booklet to protect them against diseases such as polio, tuberculosis, hepatitis, measles, and meningitis. Immunization is free at all public clinics and community healthcare centers in the province,” Ralehoko said.