The East African Caravan on Maternal Health, a campaign that is aimed at increasing awareness on Maternal Health ahead of the African Union summit has arrived in Kampala.
Mother and baby. Many women in Uganda do not deliver safely
The Caravan which started in Nairobi has had its official launch at the Mengo Primary School Open Grounds and the official launch was presided over by the Right Rev. Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira.
The Head Organiser of the Caravan Dr. Angelina Dawa has told journalists at its official launch that the Caravan will carry the key message of “No Woman should die while giving life” which echoes the African Union slogan.
Dr. Dawa says that improved health including sexual and reproductive health contributes to economic growth, social equity and gender equality and should therefore be taken seriously by the East African countries.
She says that is the reason why they have started this campaign that will compel East African countries to take more seriously the issue of sexual and maternal health.
The Caravan has also been to Kigali in Rwanda, Arusha in Tanzania, Mbarara, Kabale and Masaka and these towns it has held various public rallies with various groups of people like health professionals and policy makers on the crisis of maternal mortality in Africa.
It is estimated out of about 536,000 maternal deaths that occurred worldwide in 2005, more than 270, 000 which is more than half of those occurred in the sub- Saharan Africa region alone.
Uganda is due to host the Africa Union summit from 19th -27 July which is being held with a focus on achieving the Millennium Development Goal on maternal health and reducing child mortality.
By Zacharia Tiberindwa, Ultimate Media