In the course of its 15th summit, held in Kampala / Uganda from July 19th to July 27th, the African Union has reinforced its commitments to implementing the Maputo Protocol and Plan of Action, which deals with issues related to sexual and reproductive health and women’s rights related to sexual and maternal health. In accordance to the theme of the summit, “Maternal, infant and child health development in Africa”, the African Union launched a Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa, short CARMMA.

Despite the efforts to meet the Millennium Development Goals 4, 5 and 6, which deal with maternal and infant health, maternal mortality remains a big problem in Africa, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The vast majority of the 500,000 women worldwide who die during childbirth or due to complications after giving birth continue to be African women (you can find more information here)

Female genital mutilation is one of the major reasons for complications during childbirth. The risk of dying during childbirth increases greatly for both the mother and the infant if the mother has been genitally mutilated. Yet, statements on maternal mortality often fail to acknowledge the problem of FGM.

“It is very important that this aspect is not ignored when discussing the problem of maternal mortality in Africa. Genitally mutilated women face a much higher risk of serious complications and death during childbirth than women who have not been mutilated. Strict laws against and education are crucial in the fight against maternal mortality in Africa and have to be at the core of every programme to foster maternal and reproductive health.” – Waris Dirie

Source: African Union