AMREF UK

Since 2000, the incidence of malaria globally has reduced by 17 per cent, and malaria mortality rates have fallen by 26 per cent. However, whilst this progress is clearly a step in the right direction, we are still far from reaching the internationally agreed target to reduce malaria mortality by 50 per cent by 2010.

Because malaria is preventable and treatable, many more lives can be saved through a combination of proven and innovative malaria control interventions. As an organisation working side-by-side with communities, AMREF wants to see people with the knowledge, skills and means to tackle malaria, maintain their good health and break the cycle of poor health and poverty.

As the world celebrates the World Malaria Day 2012, AMREF highlights the impact of malaria on women’s health, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where mothers continue to die while giving birth. Most of these deaths could be prevented with better health care and medicine. In some parts of the continent, malaria contributes up to 30% of maternal mortality.

AMREF believes that no woman should die giving life, including from malaria.

In this belief, AMREF launched the Stand Up for African Mothers campaign in October 2011, an international initiative that aims to train 15,000 midwives by 2015 to contribute to the reduction of maternal deaths in Africa by 25 per cent. Among other things, these midwives will educate mothers in the use of Insecticide-Treated Nets, and administer intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy, as well as diagnose and treat malaria.

By drawing attention to the plight of African mothers and mobilising citizens worldwide to ensure that women get the basic medical care they need during pregnancy and childbirth, including prevention and treatment of malaria, AMREF hopes to reduce maternal mortality and make childbirth a matter of joy as the world marks World Malaria Day.

Join AMREF and Stand Up for African Mothers today!