Resources, cost-effective interventions and partnerships key to achieving maternal and infant health goals, says Janneh at African Union Summit
KAMPALA, Uganda, July 23, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has called on African leaders in Kampala to “transform the economic and social destiny of the African Continent” in an address today at the 17th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council. The meeting is being held on the margins of the 15th African Union Summit on the theme, “Improving Maternal and Child Health in Africa” organized from 19-27 July 2010.
USG Janneh highlighted a number of commendable gains made in Africa but cautioned that: “the overall measure of success will be the improvement in the human condition as encapsulated in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).”
“The continent was one of only two regions that grew during this recession with GDP projected to rise by 4.3% this year, up from 1.6% last year,” he said, listing commodity revenues; growth in banking; tourism; telecommunications services; as well as concerted attempts to reduce debt and improve governance, as examples of areas where efforts are paying off.
Mr. Janneh noted that there was “noticeable improvement” in primary education, women’s empowerment and reduction of the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate, but expressed concern that poverty has remained intractable, reflecting greater inequality and lack of employment opportunities.
Pointing out that 48% of global maternal deaths occur in Africa – the highest in the world, Mr. Janneh termed this trend as “intolerable” in a world that has the knowledge, resources and technical know-how to undertake the interventions required to reduce maternal mortality.
“It is crucial that we reduce the risks attributable to pregnancy and child birth by ensuring availability of trained health professionals, access to obstetric and natal care at all stages as well as skilled attendance at delivery,” urged Janneh and added, “Poverty, hunger, ignorance and unsanitary conditions must also be tackled due to the inter-relatedness of interventions required to achieve all the MDGs.”
Mr. Janneh emphasized the need for political will and effective partnerships between Government Ministries, UN Agencies, Development Partners, the Private Sector and Civil Society Organizations to meet maternal and infant health goals and stressed the need for additional resources as well as more cost-effective interventions and the use of new technologies for well-functioning health systems.” He also assured the delegates of ECA’s commitment to support the efforts of the African Union and its Commission in pursuit of these objectives.
SOURCE
Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
