LILONGWE, Malawi, June 25, 2008/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Malawian mothers-to-be are making unusual journeys to the delivery room - by motorbike sidecar - International Development Minister Gillian Merron has discovered in Malawi.
Gillian Merron said (eRanger) motorbike ambulances are making pregnancy and childbirth safer for Malawian mothers - by making it quicker and cheaper for women to reach treatment in hospitals over often remote terrain. Some Malawian hospitals have seen a 200% increase in the numbers of woman giving birth in the last three years.
Gillian Merron said:
“The UK has been instrumental in the creation of this service. Not only have these motorbikes been designed by a British company, but the UK has funded most of the 250 motorbike ambulances currently in operation in Malawi.
“It is impressive to see a UK business providing this vital service to so many people in Malawi. This is a real example of overseas aid working effectively. I have witnessed first hand how important these ambulances are, and I am delighted the people of the UK are supporting this life saving project.”
Mothers-to-be in Malawi are at constant risk of developing complications when giving birth and the difficulty in getting them to a health centre quickly and safely has been a factor in Malawi’s high maternal mortality rates.
Malawian women are 100 times more likely to die as a result of being pregnant than British women. The UK government is determined that mothers in Malawi and across the globe should be able to bring children into this world safely and confidently.
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
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