A group of international experts will meet today at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) on the occasion of South Asia Day to discuss ways to achieve Millennium Development Goals 4 (reduce child mortality) and 5 (improve maternal health). This historic conference gathers together specialists in obstetrics and gynaecology, midwives, health care providers and policy makers to share experiences and discuss strategies to improve women’s health in South Asia.
An estimated 187,000 women die every year in childbirth in South Asia1. The vast majority of these deaths are preventable. The aim of Millennium Development Goal 5 is to reduce maternal death rates by 75% by 2015, and yet a great deal of change is still needed.
The conference will present a number of success stories. Experiences in Thailand, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka show that maternal mortality can be reduced in low-income settings by increasing access to skilled attendants, emergency obstetric care and family planning services.
Professor Alokendu Chatterjee, Chief Convenor and past Chair of the RCOG All India Coordinating Committee, said “The RCOG is represented in the South Asia Region by committees in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The region has about 1200 RCOG fellows and members and over 30,000-40,000 obstetrical and gynaecological specialists. It is essential to bridge this link and work together.
“The South Asia Day meeting is focused on achieving Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 for the women of South Asia.”
Dr. Tony Falconer, RCOG Senior Vice President – International Office, said “With such a large number of skilled professionals available in the region, the health of women, particularly the target of achieving Millennium Development Goal 5 by 2015, should be an achievable task. But reality speaks otherwise.
“While the day will highlight successes, there remains an urgent need to effect change in many areas. At this very moment, women are in need of emergency obstetric care and skilled birth attendance. We hope that this historic meeting will mark a point of change in helping to ensure safer pregnancy for all women in South Asia.”
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Notes
The South Asia Day conference is taking place at the RCOG in London on Friday 3 July 2009. This event is being organised jointly by the RCOG, All India Coordinating Committee (AICC RCOG) and South Asian Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (SAFOG).
For further information or to arrange an interview with speakers, please contact the RCOG Press Office at +44 (0)20 7772 6446.
References
1. WHO, Maternal Mortality in 2005: Estimates Developed by WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA and The World Bank. WHO, 2007.
