South Africa Stands Up for African Mothers

September 11, 2012 saw AMREF SA launch the Stand Up for African Mothers campaign at the prestigious Hilton Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg.

AMREF SA Country Director Penina Ochola – Odhiambo welcomed the guests and gave a brief history of AMREF’s presence in South Africa.

Dr Aaron Motsaledi, Minister for Health emphasised that AMREF’s Business Plan was well aligned to the National Government policy and strategies. He further appreciated AMREF’s comparative advantages from which South Africa can gain particularly its Community System Strengthening.

Also present was His Excellency Mr Tom Amolo, Kenyan Ambassador to South Africa exalted AMREF for its work and impact in South Africa. He especially thanked Mrs Machel for her passion for women and raising awareness for the need of better health services.

Songbird Yvonne Chaka Chaka entertains guests during the launch

 
Speaking on behalf of Graca Machel, the patron of the Stand Up for African Mothers campaign, Rachel Toku-Appiah said that every day, one family member dies during pregnancy or during child birth. She added that we all need to take responsibility and heed AMREF’s call to Stand Up for African Mothers. “We have 3 years to reach the MDG goals and there is a need to coordinate our efforts. The cost for a delivery kit is as little as $20-$30, we don’t need to wait for the government, as individuals we can contribute to safe delivery and pregnancy.” She said in conclusion.

Others in attendance included various donor agencies and embassies commended AMREF including DFID, UNFPA, UNCDF, Italian Embassy, Kenya Embassy and several universities. Prof Laetitia Rispel, Chair, AMREF Health Programme Committee made a compelling case for AMREF.

To crown it all, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, a famous South African singer, thrilled audiences with songs of heroes and mothers of Africa.