WB pledges support to maternal health care

Based on Rwanda’s strong efforts towards the promotion of health, various development partners, including the World Bank (WB), have affirmed their commitment to assist Rwanda achieve its goal of eliminating maternal deaths. This was during the launch of the Campaign for Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality (CARMA) in Kigali. The WB Senior Health Economist, Aly Boury Sy commended First Lady Jeannette Kagame’s efforts towards this cause, adding that over the past two years Rwanda’s maternal death rates have gone down significantly. He also added; “if sustained, the country will be the first to attain Millennium Development Goal 5 in sub-Saharan Africa.” In this regard, the Economist stated on behalf of WB Country Representative that the financial body is set to channel an unknown amount of support to towards the elimination of maternal death rates. “At this juncture, we cannot be specific about the amount we have pledged, but it is vital to note that we are committed fully to support the Rwanda Chapter of the White Ribbon Alliance which supports this goal.Soon our support will be provided,” Boury Sy affirmed. According to the official, only Asia and some countries in North Africa had shown such strong commitment towards realization of a country with no maternal death rates as he adds that Rwanda’s strides are therefore impressive. Other health partners such as the United Nations also lauded the significant devotion to this need suggesting that urgent action, improved quality care and access to maternal services must be guaranteed in order to achieve this dream. The United States government through the Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires, Anne Casper, also pledged continued support through their various programmes and organizations. “It is unacceptable that women fear for their lives when thinking of giving birth to others. We are committed to fulfilling our part to improve the quality of women’s health care,” Casper noted. According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, maternal death rates have gone down in the past two years, from 1071 per 100,000 per live births to 750. Officials however insist that this is not enough considering that a woman dies every three hours, eight die every day. With a theme that “No one should die while giving life,” various efforts are yet to be implemented to further curb the situation. The Minister of Health, Dr. Richard Sezibera says that so far, ambulances have been procured for most health centres, incubators and capacity building for health officials has been priotised in a bid to promote maternal health. Ends

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WB pledges support to maternal health care