Aid for child illnesses stalls amid focus on AIDS fight Oct 31, 2009
Dr. Ezekiel J. Emanuel -- a bioethicist, White House official and brother of Rahm Emanuel, Obama's chief of staff -- has contended that international aid for health is limited and would save more lives if increases focused on maternal health and the "mundane but deadly diseases" that kill young children ... Obama has promised to put greater focus on child and maternal health and proposed a 53 percent increase next year in money to fight malaria, a major killer of African children, the Global... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
'End of darkness' Oct 28, 2009
Page last updated at 17:20 GMT, Monday, 26 October 2009. Maternal mortality across the world. (BBC News -- Africa)
UNFPA commends Ghana for introducing free maternal health care Oct 28, 2009
Addis Ababa, (Ethiopia), Oct. 27, GNA - Ms Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, Executive Director, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has commended Ghana for introducing the free maternal health care delivery programme as a way to control the high maternal mortality rate in the country. She said it was a good thing for Ghana to have embarked on such a laudable programme in her efforts to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDG5), which aimed at improving maternal health ... "This means if the programme... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Helping mothers Oct 27, 2009
Uganda has some of the worst maternal health in the world. One in 25 women there die in childbirth. (BBC News -- Health)
Indigenous health is a matter of human rights Oct 27, 2009
And a program known as the "Strong Babies, Strong Culture" maternal health program has shown that significant reductions in the number of low birth weight babies can occur within a matter of years. Since the launch of the Close the Gap Campaign we have seen some extraordinary achievements in putting indigenous health equality on the map and shaping policy. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Hawaii reforming child welfare service Oct 25, 2009
Loretta Fuddy, chief of the Family Health Services Division in Hawaii's Health Department and a board member for the Association of Maternal Health and Child Programs, was on a panel looking at the issues ... Loretta Fuddy, chief of the Family Health Services Division in Hawaii's Health Department and a board member for the Association of Maternal Health and Child Programs, was on a panel looking at the issues. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Inmate, others say alcohol in womb led to problems Oct 12, 2009
"Of all the substances people abuse, alcohol produces by far the most neurobiological effects on a fetus," said Deborah Henderson, manager of the Infant, Child and Maternal Health section of the state Department of Public Health and Human Services. "And alcohol is Montana's drug of choice.". (Montana Standard, MT)
biography of her life and career Oct 10, 2009
In March 2009, Sarah was asked to take on a formal role in establishing a network of national and international champions for the issue of maternal health, working in close collaboration with the Global Leaders Network under the chairmanship of Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg. Working with co-chair Bience Gawanas, social affairs commissioner of the African Union, the Leadership Group for Maternal and Newborn Health will focus on supporting the establishment of taskforces in developing... (10 Downing Street)
Rwanda: WB Pledges Support to Maternal Health Care Oct 9, 2009
com: Rwanda: WB Pledges Support to Maternal Health Care (Page 1 of 1). WB Pledges Support to Maternal Health Care ... The Minister of Health, Dr. Richard Sezibera says that so far, ambulances have been procured for most health centres, incubators and capacity building for health officials has been priotised in a bid to promote maternal health. (allAfrica.com)
India pregnancy deaths 'needless' Oct 8, 2009
The Human Rights Watch (HRW) report says the deaths occur despite government programmes guaranteeing free maternal health care ... The 150-page report - No Tally of the Anguish: Accountability in Maternal Health Care in India - documents repeated failures both in providing health care to pregnant women in Uttar Pradesh and in taking steps to identify and address gaps in care, HRW said in a press release ... India has made reducing maternal deaths a major health priority by making maternal health... (BBC News -- South Asia)
Africa: Continent Leads World in Premature Infant Deaths Oct 7, 2009
"If world leaders are serious about reaching the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to reduce child mortality and improve maternal health, then reducing death and disability related to preterm birth must receive priority," said Dr. Howse. The eight MDGs include a 50 percent reduction in extreme poverty and hunger; universal primary education; promotion of gender equality; reduction of child mortality by two-thirds; cutbacks in maternal mortality by three-quarters; combating the... (allAfrica.com)
* 13m babies born too early: report Oct 6, 2009
If world leaders are serious about reaching the United Nations Millennium Development Goals to reduce child mortality and improve maternal health, then strategies and funding for reducing death and disability related to preterm birth must receive priority, Howse said. Mario Merialdi, an editor of the March of Dimes study, described the report as a first attempt to estimate the worldwide scale of the problem. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Africa: If Men Were Dying En Masse Oct 6, 2009
"We can unfortunately say that the overall situation in sub-Saharan Africa with regards to maternal health has not improved," she told IPS, referring to FIGO's 2009 world report on women's health, which was launched at the conference ... Shaw added that there is a lack of political will to allocate resources to maternal health care. (allAfrica.com)
North America ranks second in premature births Oct 5, 2009
"If world leaders are serious about reaching the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals to reduce child mortality and improve maternal health, then strategies and funding for reducing death and disability related to preterm birth must receive priority," Howse said. The March of Dimes' Global and Regional Toll of Preterm Birth report used data from the recently published Bulletin of the World Health Organization, which probably underestimates the extent of preterm birth worldwide, according... (Xinhuanet, China)
Unsafe abortion is a critical public health concern - Nana Appiah Oct 3, 2009
She was speaking at a day's workshop to promote maternal health in Accra. It was organised in collaboration with IPAS, Ghana, an NGO to educated 30 selected female pharmacists on abortion. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Philippines Kicks Off Global Mass Breastfeeding Oct 2, 2009
"Breastfeeding can save the lives of both mothers and infants. It may be the single most important intervention for promoting Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 reducing child mortality and improving maternal health ," says Grace Agrasada, professor of pediatrics at the University of the Philippines, Manila, and the country's first International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (Henares-Esguerra is the second). In a nation like the Philippines, where nearly half the nation lives on $2 a... (Time.com)
Zambia: RB Woos U.S. Investors Sep 26, 2009
Meanwhile, First Lady Thandiwe Banda today attended a Global Health Council meeting on maternal health and malaria held at Millennium Plaza Hotel in New York. At the meeting, Nancy Brinker, who is the founding chairperson for the Susan G. Komen for Cure urged ministers of health in the world to fearlessly address the growing crisis of cancer. (allAfrica.com)
The Middle Ages: A focus on relieving oppression of women Sep 26, 2009
The first is to focus on the particular harm to women that speaks to you: maternal health, education, mass rape, sex trafficking. Then go to one of the listed organizations that can link you directly to a woman or a young girl who needs your help or sponsorship. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
A tiny tax could do a world of good Sep 25, 2009
The eight United Nations Millennium Development Goals which include eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, establishing universal primary education, reducing child mortality, improving maternal health and combating AIDS, malaria and other diseases are meant to be reached by 2015 ... Or consider maternal health. (India Times)
"Stand Up" Against Poverty campaign launched Sep 24, 2009
The eight pillars were the eradication of extreme hunger and poverty; achieving universal primary education; promoting gender equality and empowerment of women; reducing child mortality; improving maternal health; combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases; ensuring environmental sustainability, and developing a global partnership for development. Mr Amuzu said poverty among food crop farmers also remained high, and stressed the need to intervene in those areas if Ghana was to reduce... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
* World News Quick Take Sep 23, 2009
One in eight women in the country risk death during childbirth or pregnancy and the government must act to improve maternal health care, rights group Amnesty International (AI) said yesterday. Women and girls are dying in their thousands because they are routinely denied their right to life and health, in spite of promises from the government to provide free healthcare to all pregnant women, it said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
PM calls for climate change aid for poor nations Sep 23, 2009
Mrs Brown is also in the US this week and met people working on maternal health at the UN today. Read about her activities in. (10 Downing Street)
Govt appeals to health professionals in Diaspora to return Sep 22, 2009
The Deputy Minister, however, said the government was worried about the persistent high morbidity resulting from preventable diseases, high maternal mortality and the disparity in access to health care among both the rural and urban poor and called on the organizers to lay greater emphasis on maternal health care in subsequent conferences. He repeated the government's resolve to continue to dialogue with the leadership of health professionals to arrive at mutually acceptable salaries for health... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Local organization gets patent for fertility bead system Sep 20, 2009
Maternal Life is a non-profit organization that provides AIDS avoidance and care programs and maternal health services, especially ways to ensure safe births and healthy babies, to developing countries. Patent lawyer Robert Berube of Denver represented MLI before the Patent Office. (Montana Standard, MT)
It takes more than money to protect our children Sep 20, 2009
We must provide more funds for maternal health services so workers can identify risks as soon as a baby is born. We also need to identify risks when the mother is pregnant and medical staff should liaise with the department if they have concerns about an expectant parent. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Africa: Maternal Mortality, a Human Rights Catastrophe Sep 18, 2009
Training in better communication, management of labour and infection prevention improved maternal health, and community health workers were deployed to raise awareness on warning signs for complications in pregnancy, so that women and their relatives would not wait too long to seek emergency care. Relevant Links. (allAfrica.com)
New Airline Ticket Tax to Aid the Developing World Sep 18, 2009
As well as targeting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, the money will also be spent on improving maternal health and reducing child mortality. If the plan works, it'll help the U.N. out of a dilemma of its own making. (Time.com)
Botswana: World HIV/Aids Figures Go Up Sep 18, 2009
The theme of the three day workshop is: 'Strengthening linkages between Sexual Reproductive Health (SHR) and HIV: Sharing evidence and best practices". It has brought together health officials from the region. Malefho said according to the UNAIDS/WHO, around 67% of people living with HIV are in the Sub-Saharan Africa. Africa has 11.6 million orphans. He added that it is critical to identify interventions that will ensure realisation of Millennium Development Goals (MDG) especially those on... (allAfrica.com)
Dead Conjoined Twin Removed From Baby Boy Sep 16, 2009
According to the report, Afghanistan suffers from one of the world's highest rates of mother and child mortality during labor, mainly because of poor maternal health care. FOX NEWS VIDEOS. (Fox News)
Maternal health deteriorates in Upper West Region Sep 13, 2009
Wa, Sept. 12, GNA - Health authorities in the Upper West Region are marshalling resources and sharing skills and experiences to adopt the best practices to improve the maternal health in the communities ... A day's stakeholders meeting was held in Wa with doctors, unit heads, district health directors, midwives and other paramedics to discuss maternal health issues and come out with practicable solutions to address the challenges ... He said the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) called for... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
South Africa: Redouble Efforts to Reduce Maternal Mortality Sep 11, 2009
Maternal health has been under the spotlight in South Africa after an analysis of maternal deaths was released in July showing an increase in the country's maternal mortality rate (MMR) ... Marije Versteeg, Project Director of the Rural Health Advocacy Project, said factors in maternal health included the inability to pay for transport due to high levels of poverty, unemployment in rural areas and a shortage of health care professionals. (allAfrica.com)
Scots project extended in Malawi Sep 11, 2009
"The Groups also help reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, combat HIV/Aids, malaria and other diseases and ensure a sustainable environment.". Ian Grant, a former pupil at Rosehall High School in Coatbridge who now works with the council's Healthy Lifestyles team, has visited Malawi twice. (BBC News -- UK)
Pop star launches Nepal campaign Sep 11, 2009
Ms Halliwell wants to promote better maternal healthcare ... Ms Halliwell is in the country as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund - promoting maternal health and women's rights ... As well as highlighting violence against women, Geri Halliwell said she wanted to promote better maternal healthcare. (BBC News -- South Asia)
Fighting malaria with DDT in South Africa Sep 10, 2009
----------------- ----------------- RELATED BBC SITES. Last Updated: Wednesday, 21 September 2005, 01:23 GMT 02:23 UK. (Yahoo News -- Malaria)
So many maternal deaths, just across the water Sep 10, 2009
Around the world, the maternal health picture is bleak. Of all the millennium development goals - the world's blueprint for combating poverty - it is the goal of reducing maternal deaths that is the most off-track. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
March of Dimes Welcomes New National Youth Council Members Sep 10, 2009
Neha was recently named a Johns Hopkins Woodrow Wilson Fellow for her research project, "An Epidemiological Assessment of Neonatal & Maternal Health and Mortality in Urban Slums in Belgaum City, India and Statistical Comparison to Baltimore, MD, USA," for which she traveled to India to conduct research last year. As a senior in high school, Neha helped organize a multicultural event in her community called "Rangeela" (Festival of Colors) that raised over $150,000 for March of Dimes programs. (PR Newswire)
Doctor suggests presence of politicians at forums Sep 10, 2009
Ho, Sept 9, GNA - Dr John Bertson Eleeza, the Ho Municipal Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has suggested that politicians should attend strategy formulation meetings, workshops and forums that discuss ways of tackling crucial issues such as maternal health ... Dr Eleeza was delivering a paper on "Improving Maternal Health, the Case of the Ho Municipality" at a Public Dialogue on Maternal Health in Ho ... He said tackling maternal health was a multifaceted one that also required... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Desert Flower Sep 5, 2009
" A mother of two, Kebede does her own campaigning on maternal health, and has started a foundation to tackle the many thousands of needless deaths through childbirth around world because of a lack of access to basic medicine. Kebede had encountered Dirie once at a party years before the film went into production, but her first official meeting came as shooting ended. "I felt really awkward because I knew so much about her," she confesses, "but we bonded really well and now we have a great... (BBC News -- Entertainment)
Doctors meet to improve obstetrics care in VR Sep 2, 2009
Ho, Sept. 1, GNA - Doctors from mainly the public health facilities in the Volta Region are meeting in Ho to brainstorm the current state of obstetrics care and its impact on maternal health in the region. They would scrutinize the drawbacks and chart a course to tackle them. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Ghana: MDGs Coalition Strive to Improve Maternal Health Aug 29, 2009
com: Ghana: MDGs Coalition Strive to Improve Maternal Health (Page 1 of 1) ... Ghana: MDGs Coalition Strive to Improve Maternal Health ... Speaking at a public policy dialogue on maternal health at Tema, Dr. Deganus expressed concern that society still believes in the myth that when a woman develops swollen feet during pregnancy it is a sign that she will deliver a male child, although it is a negative medical condition. (allAfrica.com)
Children and Community pilot funding program up for discussion Aug 19, 2009
After ranking the issues, the advisory board recommended that the County Council vote to rank three key issues: Infant and maternal health; homeless children; and abuse of elderly and disabled people. WHAT'S NEXT: If approved, the pilot program would run simultaneously with the current program during the 2009-2010 fiscal year. (Daytona Beach News Journal -- Local)
Clinton Puts Spotlight On Women's Issues Aug 19, 2009
The idea is applauded by development experts, who have found that investing in girls' education, maternal health and women's micro-finance provides a powerful boost to Third World families. Ritu Sharma, president of the anti-poverty group Women Thrive Worldwide, said she already sees the results of Clinton's efforts in the bureaucracy. (CBS News)
Women's rights key issue for Clinton Aug 15, 2009
The idea is widely applauded by development experts, who have found that investing in girls' education, maternal health and women's microfinance provides a powerful boost to Third World families. In South Africa, a clearly delighted Mrs Clinton spent 90 minutes meeting residents at the housing project, twice as long as she spent with South Africa's President. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Ruth (Bugbee) Lubrano Aug 13, 2009
Ruth s 25 year career at the Maternal Health Clinic was devoted to the education of women on reproductive issues at a time when such a topic was controversial, and yet she would not be dissuaded from believing in the importance of her work. Ruth was active locally after her retirement. (Hingham Journal, MA)
UN's woman of steel Aug 10, 2009
Investment is part of what's going to drive growth and development," she said. She conceded that many countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, are off track to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by the 2015 deadline. The goals include eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, achieving universal primary education, promoting gender equality, reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, combating diseases such as HIV/AIDS, ensuring environmental sustainability and creating global... (iAfrica.com)
Kumbungu hospital gets 80,000 dollars worth of equipment Aug 9, 2009
He said it was the responsibility of the government to provide the basic health needs, especially reduction of child mortality, improving maternal health and combating HIV/AIDS and other diseases to help achieve the Millennium Development Goal (MDGs). Mr Mahama commended the NGO and appealed to other benevolent organizations to emulate the example of the Global Mission for the Needy. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Ministry orders payment of nurses' arrears Aug 8, 2009
He said the government was prepared and determined to make maternal health services available and more convenient for all Ghanaians. Dr. Yankey said the ministry had resolved to work with other ministries, departments and agencies to address the special needs of the youth for comprehensive reproductive-health information and services and to improve family planning services including those available to women who had undergone abortion. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
GRNA to enforce code of ethics Aug 5, 2009
Mr Kyeremeh, who doubles as the President of the Ghana Registered Midwives Association and the Registrar of Nursing and Midwifery Council, said the MDGs 4 and 5, seeks to reduce child mortality and improvement in maternal health by 2015 ... She said it was heartbreaking that in the 21st century maternal health and child care were still facing challenges in developing countries, with unacceptably high indices in both maternal and child mortality rates. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Professor calls for new way of doing things Jul 24, 2009
He said efforts should be made to bring to the fore innovative ways of improving maternal health and to reduce child mortality, achieve universal primary education, combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases. Prof Adarkwa said this in a speech read on his behalf at the Seventh College of Engineering Research Retreat (CERR7) of the KNUST in Koforidua on Thursday. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Are We What Our Mothers Ate? Jul 23, 2009
These findings indicate that we may need to re-direct our ideas about maternal health to the time prior to pregnancy, she says. Take Your Vitamins Before Becoming Pregnant. (Science Daily)
Mom's Diet Before Conception May Affect Baby Jul 23, 2009
"All of our work suggests there should be a three- to four-month preconception period that's included in good maternal health," said Dr. Kelle Moley of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, who presented one of the studies. "Early dietary changes or early nutritional changes in the mom can effect epigenetic modifications," she said. (ABC News)
Pregnancy Complications Are A Stress Test For Future Maternal Health And Pregnancies Jul 22, 2009
ScienceDaily (July 21, 2009) Predicting whether pregnancy complications affect long-term maternal health as well as future pregnancies is at the heart of two studies conducted by researchers in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale School of Medicine. See also. (Science Daily)
Africa: Aids Medication Can Go to All, Says UN Expert Jul 21, 2009
"By saving the HIV positive mother (by giving her anti-retrovirals) and her newborn baby (PMTCT), you are creating opportunities to address among others sexual and reproductive issues, change health delivery systems, engage men, change child health outcomes and improve maternal health," said Sidibe. He said another central focus of his job was to ensure that "nobody dies from TB". (allAfrica.com)
Sotomayor Stealth Stance on Abortion Criticized Jul 20, 2009
Again splitting with Sotomayor, Justice Souter ruled that these measures were designed for the preservation of maternal health and therefore were not an undue burden on abortions. Dr. Yoest stated, it s a very decided myth that there s a one-for-one substitution between these two judges, and so I think seeing Justice Sotomayor in the court is going to make a very definite difference Abortion, despite the limited discussion, is an area where the court will be clearly divided and altered with the... (Human Events Online)
Tanzania: Urgent Action Needed to Cut Maternal Deaths - Kikwete Jul 17, 2009
President Jakaya Kikwete has said prospects of Tanzania attaining the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) on maternal health are slim ... The minister cited maternal health as one area the country was still lagging behind other developing nations. (allAfrica.com)
Peru's women dying Jul 17, 2009
The report, "Fatal Flaws: Barriers to Maternal Health in Peru" found that hundreds of poor, rural and indigenous pregnant women are dying because they are being denied the same health services as other women in the country ... Amnesty's Peru researcher Nuria Garcia said in a statement: "The rates of maternal mortality in Peru are scandalous. The fact that so many women are dying from preventable causes is a human rights violation. "The Peruvian state is simply ignoring its obligation to provide... (CNN -- International)
Americans United for Life President and CEO's Testimony on Sotomayor Confirmation Hearings Jul 17, 2009
Justice Souter, however, voted in Casey to uphold a portion of Pennsylvania law that required record keeping and reporting on abortions performed in the state, viewing such requirements as reasonably directed to the preservation of maternal health. Justice Souter voted repeatedly to uphold laws such as those placing limits on taxpayer funding for abortion, those providing for informed consent, and those providing for parental notification which polls show are supported by at least 70 percent of... (Human Events Online)
Health Director speaks against home deliveries Jul 17, 2009
"Reproductive and child health services are free of charge at the health facilities," she said, adding that, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) was making efforts to improve maternal health and reduce maternal deaths. Madam Dokurugu said GHS had made health facilities more maternal and baby-friendly and this should attract women to utilize them to avoid preventable deaths. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Rights for Afghan women Jul 15, 2009
The briefing, called by the bipartisan Congressional Women's Caucus, focused on maternal health in Afghanistan, which has the second highest maternal mortality rate in the world after Sierra Leone, the west African nation ravaged for nearly three decades of civil war. Afghanistan has also endured three decades of conflict, starting with the Soviet invasion in 1979. (iAfrica.com)
In personal terms, Obama hails Africa's promise Jul 13, 2009
At a maternal health clinic in Accra, he turned into a sentimental dad when he met a group of mothers holding newborns. "This is the highlight of the trip," he said, beaming. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Obama lauds La Hospital Jul 12, 2009
or providing infant, maternal heath care Accra, July 11, GNA - US President Barack Obama has lauded the La Hospital for its maternal health programme. In brief remarks during his visit to the Hospital as part of his two-day visit to Ghana, the US president said: "Part of the reason this is so important is throughout Africa the rates of both infant mortality but also maternal mortality is still far too high -- I mean, by a factor of -- a multiple of tens compared to many other parts of the world.... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Transcript of Obama's Speech to Ghanaian Parliament Jul 12, 2009
I just saw a wonderful clinic and hospital that is focused particularly on maternal health. But too many still die from diseases that shouldn't kill them. (CBS News)
Obama Calls On Africans to Claim Their Future Jul 12, 2009
The president and first lady Michelle Obama also attended a brief event on maternal health at La General Hospital before the speech to the parliament. Ghana was chosen by the White House for Obama's first address to the African people in part because of its progress in democratic governance, the president said in a recent interview with AllAfrica. (allAfrica.com)
Global Health Council Welcomes President Obama's Call in Ghana for Comprehensive Global Health Strategy Jul 12, 2009
The president's remarks came after a visit earlier in the day with First Lady Michelle Obama to see the maternal health services provided at the U.S. Agency for International Development-funded La General Hospital in Accra ... Twenty-seven organizations in the maternal health, child health and reproductive health communities have come together under the Family Health Roundtable, convened by the Council, to call on the Obama Administration to implement a as a critical component of the Global... (PR Newswire)
President Obama has full day in Ghana Jul 11, 2009
After the bilateral meeting and breakfast, Obama will join first lady Michelle Obama at an event focusing on maternal health. The president will then address Ghana's Parliament. (San Francisco Chronicle)
