Roadmap to Safer Motherhood in Malawi

The UK government´s Department for International Development report on their motorbike initiative in Malawi in conjunction with eRangers:

“Malawian mothers-to-be are making unusual journeys to the delivery room - by motorbike sidecar – UK International Development Minister Gillian Merron has discovered in Malawi.

Gillian Merron said (eRanger) motorbike ambulances are making pregnancy and childbirth safer for Malawian mothers - by making it quicker and cheaper for women to reach treatment in hospitals over often remote terrain. Some Malawian hospitals have seen a 200% increase in the numbers of woman giving birth in the last three years.

Gillian Merron said:

"The UK has been instrumental in the creation of this service. Not only have these motorbikes been designed by a British company, but the UK has funded most of the 250 motorbike ambulances currently in operation in Malawi.

“It is impressive to see a UK business providing this vital service to so many people in Malawi. This is a real example of overseas aid working effectively. I have witnessed first hand how important these ambulances are, and I am delighted the people of the UK are supporting this life saving project.”

Mothers-to-be in Malawi are at constant risk of developing complications when giving birth and the difficulty in getting them to a health centre quickly and safely has been a factor in Malawi’s high maternal mortality rates.

For more information please visit the DfID website.