International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

The African Medical & Research Foundation (AMREF) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving maternal health in the continent.

According to Dr Teguest Guerma, the health of mothers in Africa is vital to its overall success in the future.

This, she said, means more trained midwives are required if countries are to meet their Millennium Development Goals.

"African women are at the centre of the social and economic development chain," Dr Guerma commented.

"The death of a mother while giving birth is a big setback for African society."

Dr Guerma said this means that if AMREF trains more midwives, it will help to deliver a sustainable and immediate solution to the problem of maternal mortality in Africa.

AMREF hopes to equip 15,000 people with midwifery skills over the next three years, with a particular focus on Tanzania, South Sudan and Kenya.

The group's efforts will also be concentrated heavily in Angola, Mozambique and South Africa.

Posted by Carla Mackenzie