Hi there
Following earlier initiatives like the blanket squares and a couple of trips to Downing Street, Oxfam have asked us to go with them on a fact-finding/press trip to Malawi to highlight the massive problem of maternal mortality. The reason they've asked us to do this is because of your political clout and, as the election approaches, they're looking for ways of keeping this issue on the political agenda.
If you know/agree with the arguments about why healthcare should be free for women and children, and Western governments should be held to account over the promises they made at the start of this Millennium, then please sign up to the Million Mums Campaign (if you haven't already) and add a comment to this thread, even if it's just to say you've signed up. There'll be another call to action around Mother's Day in March.
If you're undecided or have specific questions you'd like to ask Oxfam, or DFID - the Department for International Development - then please post them here too. During the trip we'll be meeting people who have been directly affected by maternal death, plus midwives, Oxfam workers, the Minister for Health and a representative from DFID, so there should be plenty of opportunities to get questions answered.
In Malawi, on average 1 woman in every 100 will die in pregnancy or childbirth, that's around 14 women every day. In 2000 both rich and poor nations committed to reducing maternal mortality rates by 75% by 2015. In the last 10 years there has been no improvement, but the goal is completely achievable if there is sufficient political will.
The trip starts on Sunday and - computer access allowing - we'll be reporting back on what we've seen and who we've met - so watch this space and do please feel free to post comments and questions here.
Thanks,
MNHQ