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Follow-Up Evacuation of 6 Indonesian Citizens from Sudan

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Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Khartoum, Sudan
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After the evacuation of Indonesian citizens from Sudan during April 23-28 2023 as many as 935 Indonesian citizens, the Indonesian Embassy in Khartoum is still conducting follow-up evacuations with a smaller number. They are Indonesian citizens who previously decided not to participate in the evacuation with family considerations, but then decided to return to Indonesia due to considerations of the increasingly unfavorable security situation.

The Indonesian Embassy in Khartoum managed to evacuate 6 Indonesian citizens each on April 7 with 4 Indonesian citizens followed by 2 Indonesian citizens on April 9.

The evacuation process was carried out from Khartoum and the city of Wad Madani to the city of Port Sudan. Next, it will be departed to Jeddah via ship and air.

The Indonesian Embassy team in Port Sudan continues to provide services and protection and assist in the evacuation of the remaining Indonesian citizens in Sudan.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Khartoum, Sudan.

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A state of constant emergency in North Kivu’s Masisi hospital

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Médecins sans frontières (MSF)
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A resurgence of violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has strained health care facilities already stretched thin by decades of conflict. One of those facilities is Masisi general hospital in North Kivu, where children share beds in the malnutrition ward while patients with gunshot and stab wounds are treated in tents. Located five hours' drive away from Goma, North Kivu's provincial capital, Masisi general hospital is the referral structure for all 26 surrounding health areas. With its 310 beds, this MSF-supported facility is the place to go for patients in critical condition or with medical complications. Within its walls, women, men and children coping with years of daily violence receive much-needed care, day after day.

Twice as many patients than beds

The malnutrition unit at Masisi general hospital has an 18-bed capacity, but over the past weeks, up to 40 children have been hospitalized at the same time. Nursing staff are trying to create extra space by setting up new beds and moving others to an adjacent place.

Following armed clashes that occurred in January, at least 41,000 people fled to the Masisi health zone within weeks. Thousands of families were suddenly cut off from their fields and moved to camps for displaced people in Masisi-Centre, Lushebere, and Katale, which were already hosting tens of thousands of people. Some have been there for years.

Louise* and her infant son are among the displaced. They fled armed clashes in Kitchanga and settled in the Masisi-Centre displacement site in March. Just a few weeks after their arrival, her son started developing malnutrition. He was admitted to Masisi hospital a few days ago.

"In Kitchanga, I used to grow beans, manioc, sweet potatoes. But here, I can only earn a little money by carrying firewood,” says Louise. “I don't earn enough to make more than one meal a day. Sometimes, we just go to sleep with an empty stomach. War brought us this life of misery."

Two years after a state-of-siege was declared in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri, violence and the proliferation of weapons continue unabated in the Masisi territory. From January to March 2023, 110 gunshot wounded have been treated at Masisi general hospital. Among them are Agathe's* two young children, aged 2 and 3 respectively, who lay on a bed with their legs in plaster.

"Bandits came to threaten our neighbor. It turned ugly and they started shooting blindly in the street,” recalls Agathe. "Bullets pierced the floorboards of my house and hit my two children, who were asleep in the same bed. One was shot in the shin and the other was shot twice in the heels. I feel dizzy seeing them suffer so much. I can't understand how we got there.”

A never-ending emergency

MSF began supporting the Masisi general hospital in 2007, when the area was the scene of violent clashes between armed groups. Fifteen years later, peace is still elusive in this part of DRC. According to recent estimates, the Masisi territory is now home to 470,000 displaced people, or one-fifth of all displaced people in North-Kivu province. Over the years, almost all humanitarian organizations left the area despite continuing instability and urgent need.

After a relative period of calm in 2021, violence erupted again in 2022. Sexual violence has been particularly prevalent, as is often the case during periods of instability. At Masisi hospital, MSF teams treated more than 740 survivors of sexual violence in 2022; this year, there were 165 patients in the first three months alone. Meanwhile, MSF is responding to an alarming increase of sexual violence elsewhere in North Kivu. Our teams working in displacement camps in and around Goma provided sexual violence care for an average of 48 people a day during the last two weeks of April alone.

"Some [survivors] are coming back for the second or third time already" says Alice, a psychosocial counselor at Masisi hospital. "Sexual and physical violence, displacement, loss of loved ones, lootings … There is a constant repetition of traumatic events. We all end up living in in fear of the next violent episode.”

Day after day, Alice and the other psychosocial counselors try to alleviate the invisible wounds that often accompany physical ailments. "Living in Masisi is extremely stressful. No one is safe. Most people we treat suffer from anxiety, hypervigilance and sadness. Some have suicidal thoughts. Many have just lost all hope," she says.

As a thunderstorm roars over Masisi, rain falls heavily on the sheet metal roof of the hospital. Patients hurry back to their beds. For a few more days, Agathe and Louise will benefit from the precarious shelter offered by the hospital while their children recover. Afterwards, they will have to go back home. "I am afraid to go back there,” says Agathe. “But what can I do? We have no choice, we have nowhere else to go.”

*MSF currently supports all services at the general referral hospital in Masisi, which admitted more than 14,500 patients in 2022. In order to facilitate access to free medical care, including for the most isolated communities, MSF teams also support four health centers in Masisi, Nyabiondo, Muheto, Ngomashi. Our teams also regularly respond to outbreaks of cholera and measles, two endemic diseases in the area, which spread rapidly during frequent population movement. *

*Names have been changed

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

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US Support Increases Access to Justice in Ghana

Location: News

U.S. Embassy in Ghana
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Director of the United States Department of Justice's Access to Justice Office Rachel Rossi joined Chairman of the Ghana Legal Aid Commission Supreme Court Justice Lord Nene Abayaateye Ofoe Amegatcher, Attorney General Honorable Godfred Yeboah Dame, and Acting Executive Director of the Ghana Legal Aid Commission Ellen A. “Sweetie” Sowa today to officially launch Ghana's Public Defenders' Division (PDD).  The PDD will provide legal assistance and criminal defense services for Ghanaians accused of crimes that cannot otherwise afford legal representation.

In 2018, Ghana's Parliament created the PDD under the Ghana Legal Aid Commission (LAC).  With technical assistance from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance & Training (OPDAT), LAC has increased representation in criminal cases in Ghana by more than 40 percent in each of the last two years.  Last month, the United States handed over 54 laptops funded by the Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement to LAC to assist in its mission.

“We are grateful for the support of our High Court Justices for appointing us in appropriate cases as the law requires,” said PDD Acting Director Nelson Kporha. “We also thank our American partners both for promoting the capacity of the Public Defenders' Division to represent qualified accused in general, and for helping us to officially launch the PDD in particular.”

Today's launch is a crucial next step in ensuring access to justice for all Ghanaians.  The PDD will provide legal defense to indigent and otherwise needy defendants in serious criminal cases in Ghana.

The U.S. Government supports access to justice across Ghana.  Through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Government has trained more than 1,500 staff from government agencies to use Ghana's case tracking system, which provides updated information on pending cases.  USAID has also helped increase public awareness of legal aid and Alternative Dispute Resolution services, reaching more than five million citizens, especially poor and indigent people, in targeted districts.

With continued support from the U.S. Department of Justice, through the U.S. Embassy, the PDD will continue to seek annual increases in the number of criminal representations of those who cannot afford private counsel, giving effect to the mandates of the 2018 Legal Aid Commission Act.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Ghana.

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US Extends Support to ANE in Cabo Delgado

Location: News

U.S. Embassy in Mozambique
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The U.S. Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), announced a new grant to support the Government of Mozambique (GRM) in bridge construction and road repairs in the northern province of Cabo Delgado. The focus of this project is to continue with the improvement of the R698 road, which serves as a travel and transport corridor for communities affected by natural disasters and the violence in the north region of Mozambique. The construction works will include spot improvements, construction of drainage structures and the construction of a load control center. This work is part of the larger U.S. Government commitment to work with Mozambique to achieve peace and stability in the country, region, and world through the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability.

The attacks, and territorial occupation by ISIS-M have resulted in significant damage and destruction to infrastructure, including transportation in Cabo Delgado province. With this new agreement, USAID will extend its support to the GRM's National Road Administration (ANE) and the Road Fund (FE). This project will improve road R698 to provide a safe alternative secondary access road between the southern and northern districts of Cabo Delgado. The implementation of this activity will greatly support access to goods, humanitarian assistance, and post-conflict recovery.

USAID Mission Director Helen Pataki said, “Building on a historic relationship between the U.S. Government and ANE, these combined grants of $4.3 million are a physical demonstration of the commitment of the American people to Mozambique. We are here today, as a sign of our successful bilateral partnership in the roads sector.”

USAID is investing $2 million in this agreement over the next two years. This adds on to the previous grant of $2.3 million to ANE. Support for infrastructure is a critical component of the broader U.S. Government assistance in Mozambique. In close collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Mozambique, the U.S. Government provides more than $700 million in annual assistance to improve the quality of education and healthcare, promote economic prosperity, and support the overall development of the nation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Mozambique.

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Sudan: Human Rights Council’s special session on Sudan

Location: News

Amnesty International
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Responding to news that the United Nations Human Rights Council will hold a special session on Sudan on 11 May 2023 to discuss the impact of the ongoing conflict in the country, Amnesty International's Regional Director for East and Southern Africa Tigere Chagutah said:

“Amnesty International welcomes the special session on Sudan and urges the Council to address this human rights crisis in a manner that is responsive to the current and urgent needs of people in Sudan.

“We reiterate our call, made together with more than 90 other organizations, for Council members to establish an investigative mechanism to monitor, collect and preserve evidence, and report serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law that have occurred, and continue to occur, during this conflict. This investigative mechanism should be able to identify perpetrators and make recommendations to ensure accountability, justice, and reparations for victims.

“The scale and gravity of the crisis requires the creation of such a mechanism to bring enhanced and dedicated resources to these tasks at this crucial moment. It would complement existing UN mechanisms including UNITAMS, the UN Human Rights Office, and the Human Rights Council's Designated Expert.

“We urge all members of the Council, including Sudan, to support such a mechanism to take whatever steps are possible to promote and protect the human rights of people directly affected by this crisis.

Sudan's regional partners and the international community must act now to support the people of Sudan.”

Background

This special session of the Human Rights Council is being convened after an official request was jointly submitted on 5 May by the United Kingdom, Norway, the United States, and Germany. At least 52 Member States of the Council have so far expressed support to convene this special session.

On 15 April fighting erupted in Sudan's capital Khartoum between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), the national military, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has since spread throughout the country. The conflict came after weeks of growing tension between the SAF and RSF during negotiations surrounding a new transitional government and security force reforms.

Parties to the conflict continue to use heavy weapons, including artillery and tanks, as well as aerial bombardments, in densely populated areas in Khartoum. Civilians in the capital and in other locations, including Darfur, are bearing the brunt of the clashes, with millions trapped in their homes and humanitarian workers unable to deliver supplies to civilians affected by the conflict.

Amnesty International continues to receive testimonies of civilians killed and injured in their or near their homes – some of them apparently victims of indiscriminate attacks and others caught in the cross fires (often because combatants had taken position in the midst of civilian residents).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.

Read moreSudan: Human Rights Council’s special session on Sudan

Joint Health Chiropractic

Location: MyPR

Do you suffer from lower back pain? Are you looking for a chiropractor in Pretoria Look no further than our team of experienced chiropractors at Joint Health Chiropractic! Our team of chiropractors in Pretoria at Joint Health Chiropractic are dedicated to providing  you quality chiropractic care to patients of all ages. We specialize in treating …

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SAFPS to launch a ground-breaking platform to combat fraud

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SAFPS to launch a ground-breaking platform to combat fraud Traditionally, South Africa has been a popular country among fraudsters looking for every opportunity to try and find their next victim. Statistics from the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) point out that there was a 600% increase in incidents reported by their members in 2022 …

Read moreSAFPS to launch a ground-breaking platform to combat fraud

Are You a Superfan? Grab an Orlando Pirates F.C. Themed Hotel Room

Location: News
Marriott International, Inc.

Protea Hotels by Marriott® (http://www.Marriott.com) and Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's award-winning travel programme and marketplace, have unveiled Orlando Pirates F.C themed hotel rooms, designed to give football enthusiasts a unique and immersive hospitality experience.

Available at the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott® Johannesburg Melrose Arch (https://apo-opa.info/3LTsisX), the Orlando Pirates-themed rooms are a must-visit for all fans of the club.

Created by local interior designer, Latoyah Mei, the room is adorned with symbolic black and white stripes showcasing the club's proud heritage and success over the years. Guests will be welcomed with an iconic mural featuring some of the most legendary players to have graced the fields and hearts of many in the club's history.  Along with modern amenities, the rooms will also feature football memorabilia and natural elements to create a space that is minimal and contemporary.

The themed room serves as a creative celebration of local design, following a request to qualifying South African interior designers based on their experience and expertise, to partake in the Protea Hotels by Marriott and Marriott Bonvoy Orlando Pirates Room Designs. A shortlist of four designers were invited to submit their storyboards. Ultimately, Latoyah Mei founder of Lint Design House was the successful candidate and was selected by the partnership parties, as the official interior designer of the unique Orlando Pirates themed room. Mei's inspiration was to create a nostalgic atmosphere for the room to evoke a “wow factor” feeling in fans.

“I was intentional about creating a space that is impactful and inspiring, evoking emotions that delivers a memory in one's mind while experiencing a space. The mural is one of my favourite elements of the room – it really captures the rich history of the Buccaneers and Soweto in an amazing way,” Latoyah Mei comments. “It is really important to me that with each stay, supporters can appreciate something new when they look around the room.”

"The Orlando Pirates-themed rooms at the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! By Marriott® Johannesburg Melrose Arch offer an immersive and memorable experience that we believe will be cherished by our members and fans,” commented Sean Maher, Market Vice President, South Africa, Marriott International.

“Plans for more themed rooms across the country are underway and we look forward to unveiling these new experiences to our guests soon,” adds Maher.

 "We are proud to align ourselves with Marriott Bonvoy, our accommodation partner. Orlando Pirates is a distinct and iconic brand not only in South Africa but also in the African continent and beyond. The Skull & Crossbones were a symbol of hope during the apartheid era and Orlando Pirates continues to be a beacon of hope to all our people," said Thandi Merafe, the Club's Media Director.

"We pride ourselves in aligning with brands who have a shared vision and aspiration to deliver excellence to our people. Our fans are the lifeblood of our Club, and we're excited to offer them an experience that truly embodies the spirit and history in the home city of Orlando Pirates," adds Merafe.

The launch of the themed rooms follows the announcement of Marriott Bonvoy's exclusive multi-year partnership to become the official accommodation partner of Orlando Pirates Football Club last year. The partnership offers fans incredible opportunities to experience football in South Africa at a whole new level through unrivalled and exclusive access and events. Fans can now get 15% off standard rates when they book at participating hotels across South Africa.

The Orlando Pirates-themed rooms at the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Johannesburg Melrose Arch are now available for booking. To book visit Marriott.com  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Marriott International, Inc..

Press contact:
Nelisa Mpofana
Communications Manager, South Africa
Marriott International
Nelisa.Mpofana@marriott.com

About Marriott Bonvoy®:
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of 31 extraordinary brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

About Protea Hotels by Marriott:
Protea Hotels by Marriott® is the leading hospitality brand in Africa and it is one of the most widely recognized brands on the continent with nearly 70 hotels across 9 countries including South Africa, Zambia, Nigeria, Namibia, Botswana, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi & Algeria.  Protea Hotels by Marriott® is ideal for both business and leisure travellers by offering properties in primary and secondary business centres and desirable leisure destinations. Each hotel offers modern facilities, proactive and friendly service and consistent amenities such as full-service restaurants, meeting spaces, complimentary Wi-Fi, and well-appointed rooms, ensuring global standards for a high quality, relaxed and successful stay. Protea Hotels by Marriott is proud to be part of Marriott International, the world's largest hotel company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with 8000+ properties across 139 countries and territories, including gateway cities such as London, Dubai and New York. For more information, visit Protea.Marriott.com Protea Hotels by Marriott® is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including earning points toward free hotel stays and nights toward Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit Marriot Bonvoy (https://apo-opa.info/42KqiKp).

About Orlando Pirates F.C:
Flash a badge with the skull and crossbones at any South African and they know you're talking about the Orlando Pirates Football Club.  From humble beginnings in 1937, Orlando Pirates has matured to more than just a Club, it has become an institution. An institution that is ingrained in the culture of the country; an institution followed by millions of South Africans from all walks of life. For more information, visit OrlandoPiratesFC.com

Media files
Marriott International, Inc.
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Read moreAre You a Superfan? Grab an Orlando Pirates F.C. Themed Hotel Room

This Mother’s Day, give yourself a gift with unlimited value – more financial control

Location: MyPR

Mother’s Day is one of the days every year when SA moms are shown the appreciation and recognition they deserve. According to Vanesha Palani, Executive of Financial Management at Nedbank, while giving mom a card or some flowers is a great way to say thank you, most mothers in SA also need to gift themselves …

Read moreThis Mother’s Day, give yourself a gift with unlimited value – more financial control

Statistics and Trends on Illicit Drug Supply and Drug Abuse

Location: News

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission organized a validation workshop for the 2022 West African Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (WENDU) Report on the theme “Statistics and Trends on Illicit Drug Supply and Drug Abuse”.

The Workshop which was organized by the Department of Human Development and Social Affairs in Abuja, Nigeria on May 3 and 4, 2023, had in attendance Mental Healthcare Experts (National Focal Points) from Member States of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The West African Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (WENDU) is an ECOWAS project aimed at improving the information base for policymakers from ECOWAS Member States to address the social, health, and economic consequences of alcohol and drug use through the establishment of local sentinel surveillance networks in all the ECOWAS Member States. In addition to collecting data in each site on selected aspects of drug demand and supply, the National Focal Points (NFPs) of WENDU contribute to identifying changes in drug use patterns and emerging trends. They communicate the reports generated to the agencies and organizations in charge of addressing substance abuse problems or that directly benefit from acquiring information about drug use. The Network is also used to assess the regional and national responses/interventions on drug prevention and control support in the Region as well as generate strategic information for policy decision-making and programme implementation.

The workshop afforded participants the opportunity to present WENDU data from their respective countries. The data revealed an increase in drug use amongst unemployed young people aged 15-25, compared to the 2021 statistics and identified the most consumed drugs in the region as cannabis, tramadol, amphetamines and cocaine. The data presented was validated and approved by the mental healthcare professionals for programme and policy, with participants agreeing on the urgent need to take significant actions to reduce drug use in the region.

The Director, Humanitarian and Social Affairs, Dr. Sintiki T. Ugbe called on Member States to “continue to partner and cooperate with the Drugs Division of the Humanitarian and Social Affairs Directorate to ensure maximum benefits from the drug prevention and control programmes of the ECOWAS Commission”.

In keeping with innovation and global trends, the Information Technology Services (ITS) Directorate of the ECOWAS Commission presented to participants the newly designed digitalised WENDU data collection form to be launched later in the year.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Read moreStatistics and Trends on Illicit Drug Supply and Drug Abuse

Meet the creators of Checkers’ 3 Limited-Edition Mother’s Day Bouquets

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Meet the creators of Checkers’ 3 Limited-Edition Mother’s Day Bouquets Artist Alice Toich, floral designer Alwijn ‘Blomboy’ Burger and much-loved foodie Zola Nene have created three limited-edition flower arrangements for Mother’s Day, available exclusively from selected Checkers and Checkers Hyper supermarkets nationwide. The trio visited local farms to design and create exquisite farm-fresh bouquets which …

Read moreMeet the creators of Checkers’ 3 Limited-Edition Mother’s Day Bouquets

1866 Nigerians believed to have been Evacuated from Sudan

Location: News

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigeria
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Another batch of 136 Nigerians evacuated from Sudan through Port Sudan arrived Nnamdi Arzikiwe International Airport Abuja night at 11:04pm.

They were received on behalf of the Federal Government and Director General NEMA Mustapha Habib Ahmed by the Director Special Duties Dr Onimode Abdullahi Bandele. Also present were representatives of NCFRMI, NiDCOM, NAPTIP and other relevant agencies.

The total number of the Nigerian citizens stranded in conflict hit Sudan so far stand at Subtotal 1,866. The last arrival brings the total number of flights to 10.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigeria.

Read more1866 Nigerians believed to have been Evacuated from Sudan

Conservation collaboration will see captive-born owlet released into the wild

Location: MyPR

Through a collaborative conservation effort between Crocworld Conservation Centre on the KZN South Coast; FreeMe Wildlife and The Owl Box Project in the KZN Midlands; and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, a Spotted Eagle Owl born in captivity will soon be released into the wild – with a partner! Crocworld Conservation Centre, based in Scottburgh, is committed …

Read moreConservation collaboration will see captive-born owlet released into the wild

128 More Nigerians Evacuated

Location: News

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigeria
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Another batch of 128 Nigerians evacuated from internal conflict in Sudan arrived Nnamdi Arzikiwe International Airport Abuja Wednesday 10th May 2023 at 10:30am.

Tarco Aviation engaged to airlift the Nigerian citizens conveyed them from the holding point in Port Sudan to Nigeria. Among them were 11 minors.

This arrival is the 11th flight in the evacuation exercise and brings the total number of the returnees to 1,994.

Director General NEMA Mustapha Habib Ahmed was represented by the Director Special Duties Dr Onimode Abdullahi Bandele who led representatives of other agencies in receiving the returnees at the pilgrim's wing of the Abuja Airport.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigeria.

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Uncover the outdoor splendour of the KZN South Coast with a camping adventure!

Location: MyPR

As the cooler months approach, the KZN South Coast remains a sunny spot for family-friendly adventure from its Blue Flag beaches to the lush hinterland. This is also the perfect time to start looking out for the Greatest Shoal on Earth – the annual Sardine Run – which brings an ocean spectacle close to shore. …

Read moreUncover the outdoor splendour of the KZN South Coast with a camping adventure!

The wonderful experience of giving life carries the risk of morbidity and mortality

Location: News

UNFPA - East and Southern Africa
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The wonderful experience of giving life carries the risk of morbidity and mortality.

However, this risk is steadily declining in Sub-Saharan Africa. Between 2000 and 2020, the maternal mortality ratio has declined by one-third or from 807 to 545 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. This is noteworthy; however, despite progress, the risk of dying while giving birth is still unacceptably high. Lifetime risk of maternal deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa is at least eight times higher than other regions.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, too many women, an estimated 202,000, died from giving life in 2020. This represents 70 per cent of global maternal deaths and translates into over 550 maternal deaths per day, which is one maternal death every two and half minutes. For every death, 20 to 30 more morbidities including obstetric fistula and perinatal mental health occur. The deaths leave behind devastated husbands, partners, children, communities, societies, and nations. Most of these maternal deaths could be prevented by improving availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality of human rights-based Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child, Adolescent Health services.

One of the major barriers to improving access to comprehensive maternal and newborn care in Sub-Saharan Africa is the difficulty in ensuring availability of skilled, motivated, supported and regulated health providers. The good news is that well-trained and supported midwives have the potential to provide 90 per cent of all essential sexual, reproductive, maternal and new-born health services. The bad news is that currently they represent only 10 per cent of the health workforce.

Globally, there are 900,000 midwife deficits by 2035 with 500,000 in Africa.

As the United Nations' sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA is a leader in supporting quality midwifery care across the world. We support governments to improve competency-based training, midwifery regulatory mechanisms and workforce policy that comply with international standards. We are also harnessing the power of technology to train midwives in remote areas or emergency crisis zones.

We are committed to strengthen ‘midwifery-led care' as a critical pathway to end preventable maternal and new-born deaths and stillbirths.

We are not alone. We are glad to partner with the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and with more than 20 global partners from civil society, academia, private sector, professional bodies and development partners to host the 5th Global Midwifery Symposium on 7 and 8th May 2023, a pre-event to the International Maternal Newborn Health Conference (IMNHC2023).

During the Symposium, Global Partners appealed to the United Nations member states to: Promote midwifery care; Strengthen the Midwife Workforce; Improve Working Conditions and Support for Midwives; Address Barriers to Accessing Care from Midwives; Ensure Provision of Comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health Services and Rights (SRHR) by Midwives; and Monitor Progress and Strengthen Accountability.

The current pace of progress in preventing maternal deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa is significantly less than the pace of progress required to take the region closer to the Sustainable Development Goals target of 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 births by 2030. In fact, the current pace of progress needs to be improved by five-times to be able to meet the SDG-3 maternal mortality target in Sub-Saharan Africa.

African mothers deserve better. They deserve to feel safe and supported as they bring new life into the world. Investing in midwifery education, training, and professional development is the least we can do to deliver a brighter future for generations to come. Together, we can eliminate preventable maternal and newborn deaths, and empower every woman to give birth with confidence, without having to pay the ultimate price.

Let's take action now, and make sure that no more lives are needlessly lost in the miracle of childbirth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UNFPA - East and Southern Africa.

Read moreThe wonderful experience of giving life carries the risk of morbidity and mortality