WHAT:

The African Union Commission, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, and other partners will convene a special high-level event on the Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA) on the sidelines of the African Union Summit.

In addition to celebrating progress on maternal and child health in the continent —which has witnessed a 41 per cent reduction in maternal deaths and a 33 per cent reduction of under-five mortality between 1990 and 2010— the event will offer African leaders an opportunity to share experiences and discuss opportunities to further advance maternal and child health and meet agreed development goals.

Despite progress, a recent study shows that, in 2008, eight of the ten countries with the highest burden of maternal deaths were in Africa. A woman in the continent is almost 100 times more likely to die due to pregnancy and childbirth related complications than in wealthy countries.

Experts have pointed to increased political commitment, sustainable and more effective use of funding, and the strengthening of health systems as key measures for improving the situation.

WHO:

Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations
Mr. Goodluck Jonathan, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Mr. Boni Yayi, President of the Republic of Benin
Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission
Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA
Mr. Donald Kaberuka, President of the African Development Bank
Other high-level guests

Moderator:  Ms. Zain Verjee, Anchor, CNN

Round Table:
African Heads of State and Government, Heads of UN Agencies and Development Partners: “Commitments to the Campaign for Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA)”

WHEN: Sunday, 27 January 2013, 13:00 to 15:00

WHERE: Multipurpose Hall - African Union - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia