Brazzaville, 13 October 2008 -- The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Luis G. Sambo, has said in Luanda that the human resource crisis in the health sector is a gigantic challenge. He therefore urged policy makers and all stakeholders to devote special attention to addressing the problem.

Dr Sambo noted that “the challenges are enormous, requiring strong partnerships between various sectors, united action to improve health systems performance and increased promotion of the socioeconomic status of women”.

Dr Sambo made these remarks at the opening session of the Regional Consultation on Haemorrhage during Pregnancy, Childbirth and Postpartum”, taking place in the Angolan capital, Luanda, from 13 to 14 October 2008.

The meeting has brought together 150 participants including representatives of the majority of African countries; experts in maternal and newborn health; representatives of associations of gynaecologists, obstetricians and midwives; and representatives of training institutions and international partners like UNICEF, UNFPA, USAID and the World Bank.

The Regional Director adduced evidence to show that maternal mortality in Africa which is 900 per 100 000 live births is the highest worldwide and that the 0.1% annual reduction achieved between 1990 and 2005 is much below the 5.5% annual reduction required to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

Dr Sambo went on to say that humankind has adequate knowledge and technologies to reduce maternal deaths and that the Road Map prepared by WHO and subsequently adopted by ministers of health in 2004 continues to be the strategic framework for action to improve the situation.

The main objectives of the Road Map are to provide skilled professional care during childbirth and strengthen the capacity of individuals, families and communities to improve maternal and newborn health.

Dr Sambo expressed his conviction that health sector reforms driven by African governments, with the involvement of communities and partners, will improve health indicators.

“Improving maternal mortality in Africa is technically feasible but the available human resources should match the magnitude of the problem. Also, efficient management of available resources will help achieve better health outcomes in Africa,” he added.

Dr Sambo ended his statement by thanking the Government of Angola for accepting to host the meeting and for providing the bulk of the funding for this meeting of continental relevance.

From Left to Right Prof. Dr. Pinto de Sousa, The Dean of the Medical Association.(Order of Angolan Doctors) Dr. Adão do Nascimento, Secretary of Sate for Education; Dr. Jose Van-Dúnem, Minister of Health of Angola; Professor Christopher Lynch; Dr. Luis Gomes Sambo

Issued by WHO Office in Angola.

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