Maternal mortality

A recent join United Nations report indicated that the new maternal mortality is declining. Obviously, global data suggests that progress has been made to reduce the number of pregnant women who die while giving birth around the world; however, in sub-Saharan Africa, the hardest hit region in the world, maternity deaths remain a huge concern. As a matter of fact, people in sub-Saharan countries of Africa have witnessed more than 280,000 of those deaths in 2010 only. According to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), that number represents 57 percent of the world maternal deaths. These high figures suggest that 17 percent of all women in Africa are at risk of dying from complication of pregnancy and childbirth. 

Cameroon, Chad, and Congo are among several sub-Saharan countries in which maternal and infant mortality rate is still lamentably high. For instance, Yearly mothers’ deaths in Cameroon rose from 7500 in 2004 to 9000 in 2010, according to figures released by the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS).

The situation seems to be worse than the UN data shows as persistent under-reporting and misclassification have made it impossible to know the true extent of such deaths, especially in remotest and poorest areas. African Aid Organization, Inc. (AFAID) is deeply troubled by the senseless deaths of mothers in Africa because most of these deaths could have been prevented. Indeed, the high number of maternal deaths in Africa is the direct result of insufficient care during pregnancy and delivery, the lack of money to pay the fees being asked for by medical personnel, and incapacity to reach health facilities because of geographical, financial or cultural barriers. Most importantly, HIV infections claim 10 percent of those lives. Evidences show that of the 91% of world maternal deaths due to HIV/AIDS occur in sub-Saharan Africa because, among other causes, women lack information on sexual and reproductive health and rights. 

An urgent action is needed as more than 1 million children in Africa alone are orphaned because the mother dies trying to procreate.  Please get involved, click here to donate.

2012 Mother’s day in Africa

On the second Sunday of May in the US and the last Sunday of May in Europe, the world observes Mother’s day by celebrating the crucial role that mothers play in the society as a whole. This holiday has its roots in the US in 1914. In fact, President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s day official when he signed it into law during the First World War. The desire to repopulate Europe urged European countries to adopt the Mother’s day holiday.   

African Aid Organization, Inc. (AFAID) uses this day to remember all mothers and pregnant women who live with HIV as well as those affected by AIDS.  This Mother’s day, Sunday May 13, 2012, AFAID invites you to join the organization in the celebration of this day by donating in honor of those most vulnerable mothers who have shown unconditional love to their children throughout their lives. A donation of $20 or more can stop the transmission of HIV from mother to child, feed an AIDS orphan for a month, and help keep mothers alive to care for their children.  You can make your donation online at www.afaid.org, www.crowdrise.com/afaid, http://afaid001.blogspot.com, or by mail at AFAID, 1325 G St. NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005.