Acknowledging best practices on reducing maternal mortality

The Meles Zenawi Foundation awarded one best performing Woreda (district) from each of the nine regional states and two city administrations of Ethiopia on 28 March 2015 for their efforts to reduce maternal mortality. Although Ethiopia has made remarkable progress in reducing maternal mortality by 70% since 1990, over 30 women die every day due to complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. With the award, the Foundation aimed to acknowledge the work of the dedicated health workers and encourage further investment in improving maternal health.

Dr Mulatu Teshome, the President the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, stressed the contribution of the leadership of the late Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi, in the reduction of maternal mortality in Ethiopia and achievement of zero maternal deaths in some of the woredas awarded. “The example that you are setting by acknowledging the work of the health workers in the regions and at community level sets an example for other countries in Africa,” Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa said at the award ceremony held in Addis Ababa. Other invited guests included Regional States’ Presidents, Ministers, Board Members of the Meles Zenawi Foundation (MZF), Regional Health Bureau Heads, Representatives of Woreda Health Offices, Diplomatic Corps, WHO Representative to Ethiopia, and representatives of bilateral and multilateral development partners.

Each of the awarded woredas received 10,000 USD for purchasing of essential maternal and child health equipment. The Meles Zenawi Foundation plans to award best performance in reducing maternal deaths annually in collaboration with WHO.

Meles Zenawi Foundation Awardees for Achievements in Health*, 2015:

• Abobo Woreda, Gambella
• Chagni Town Administration, Amhara
• Dire Teyera Woreda, Harari
• Gulele Sub City, Addis Ababa City Administration
• Homosha Woreda, Benishangul Gumuz
• Sabiyan Woreda, Dire Dawa City Administration
• Siraro Woreda, Oromia
• Tahtay Maichew Woreda, Tigray
• West Azernet Woreda, SNNP
• West Imey Woreda, Somali
• Yalo Woreda, Afar

*In alphabetical order.

For more information, please contact: Mr Abraham Gebregiorgis, email:  gebregiorgisa [at] who.int