UNFPA praises Ethiopia’s achievement in maternal, child mortality reduction

Addis Ababa, December 22, 2012 (WIC) - Ethiopia has registered tremendous achievements in maternal and child mortality rate reduction over the past few years, UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin said.

In a press conference he gave here on Friday the Executive Director , who is here for an official visit said encouraging results have been registered in maternal and Child mortality rate reduction in Africa.

He said especially Ethiopia’s efforts in maternal and child mortality is commendable. The Executive Director said Ethiopia has deployed more than 30,000 health extension workers to expand health service delivery in the rural areas of the country.

Though there is a lot to be done, he said and expressed his satisfaction on the achievements gained so far and the political commitment of the Ethiopian government. He expressed his belief that Ethiopia, with no doubt, would be one of the countries to meet the target set in MDGs for maternal and child mortality rate reduction.

The Executive Director said UNFPA is providing technical support to African countries in their efforts in maternal and child mortality reduction. He said positive results have been witnessed in maternal death, early marriage reduction and child education access expansion in Africa.

However, he said Africa has the highest maternal mortality ration in the world and UNFPA would extend close support more than ever before to address this evil.
According to ENA,  the Executive Director is expected to meet Prime Minister Haile-Mariam Dessalegn and Foreign Affairs Minister Dr.Tewodros Adhanom.