§ 15 Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans the Government have to promote safe motherhood in connection with World Health Day on 7 April. [34641]
§ Mr. FoulkesWe are promoting safe motherhood in collaboration with developing countries, through the UN health and development agencies (the World Health Organisation, the UN Population Fund and UNICEF) and through international NGOs. We are also supporting research into the extent and causes of maternal ill health. The Department is also supporting a major World Bank-led meeting on World Health Day to review progress on reducing maternal mortality. There is an urgent need for greater progress. In Nepal, for example, pregnancy still carries a one in 10 chance of death.