The H4+ partnership

The UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on Health Systems Strengthening and Social Accountability in Zambia trains midwives as part of efforts reduce neonatal and maternal deaths in the country’s Central and Western provinces.

“About 75 per cent of female genital mutilation in the country is performed by doctors,” said Dr. Ayman Sadek, an expert on the subject.

Out of nine pregnancies, Anna Bondo had suffered seven stillbirths, each one a crushing heartbreak. Last month, pregnant for the tenth time, Ms. Bondo went into an early labour, and immediately feared the worst.