Joyce Banda

A resource mobilization campaign mounted by Vice President Joyce Banda has raised 25 million Kwacha.

The funds are to help accelerate the reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity in Malawi.

“The Money will specifically be used to support capacity of some needy health Centers with medical equipment and electrification,” she says on the sidelines of a Safe Motherhood dinner, March 8.

Mrs. Banda, also a Goodwill Ambassador on Safe Motherhood, said she sourced the money from the private sector in the country.

Malawi is one of the countries in Sub Saharan Africa where more women and children die during at child birth and Vice President Banda says she almost became a victim of the trend sometime back.

The current infant mortality is at 807 per 100,000 live births.

“However, Malawi has made good strides in improving maternal health as the figures have gone down from 1120 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000,” she says.

White Ribbon Alliance Board Chairlady in Malawi Mrs. Tambudzai Rashid expressed worry over the scenario in Malawi.

“When we compare issues at global level, in developing countries its one in eight meaning that out of every eight women one woman (is at risk). …coming back to mother Malawi, it is one in seven but when you compare with the developed countries its one in 8000”, she says.

This year’s international Women’s Day was commemorated under the theme “Equal rights, Equal Opportunities, Progress for all”.