Michael Kitt TD, Minister of State for Overseas Development, today announced Irish Aid funding of €3m to programmes targeting maternal mortality and reproductive health in developing countries.

In announcing the funding, the Minister said:

“The Millennium Development Goals commit us to reducing maternal mortality by 75 percent between 1990 and 2015. Yet this is the Goal on which least progress has been achieved since world leaders made their commitment in 2000. The number of women dying in childbirth continues to be startling: the risk of a woman dying from complications of pregnancy in her lifetime is as high as one in seven in some African and Asian countries. This statistic is unthinkable to us in Ireland and it is clear that an extra effort is needed by all countries to ensure the achievement of MDG5.

Ireland is proud to be one of the first countries to contribute to the new UNFPA trust fund for maternal health, “No Woman Should Die Giving Life”. This fund will support 75 of the poorest countries to deliver better services for women before, during and after childbirth”.

In addition, funding will be given to thematic funds on female genital cutting/mutilation, and obstetric fistula. Both these conditions have dreadful emotional and social implications for sufferers.

Note for Editor:
The Thematic Trust Fund on Maternal Mortality “No Woman Should Die Giving Life” has been founded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to push for progress on MDG 5. Funding of €2m will be provided to this Fund

The trust fund on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting is operated jointly by UNICEF and UNFPA.  Currently FGM/C affects between 100 and 140 million women and girls, and three million girls are at risk of the practice annually. This programme is designed to work with cultural and religious leaders to encourage a societal change and the abandonment of the practice. Funding of €500,000 will be provided from Irish Aid.

The Fistula Thematic Trust Fund was established as part of UNFPA’s “Campaign to End Fistula” in 2001. Obstetric Fistula is typically the result of prolonged and obstructed labour, most usually where medical intervention, or a Caesarean section, is not available. The pressure of the baby’s head against the mother’s pelvis causes extensive tissue damage, making her incontinent. In most cases, the baby does not survive.  This programme aims to prevent the condition by ensuring skilled attendance at birth, and to provide treatment for those who have suffered from fistula. Funding of €500,000 will be provided to this Trust Fund.

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Press Office
5/1/08