ICM Africa midwives meeting.

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'Akwaaba! Welcome!' was the message that went out from Kathlyn Ababio of the Ghana Registered Midwives Association (GRMA), who hosted the ICM Africa Midwives meeting in November 2007, with the title: 'African Midwives Uniting to Address the Reduction of Maternal and Infant Mortlaity and Morbidity'. Kathlyn, a member of the ICM Board, said that she 'joined hands' with Judith Chamisa, the Board member for Africa East, to extend the welcome.

The theme of the meeting was finding strategies and solutions to the continuing problem of high levels of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity in the African countries. Kathlyn urged all participants to enagage in informative discussion, contribute effectively and pledge themselves to work for a fruitful result.

Esther Afoley Quaye-Kumah, National Secretary of the GRMA, spoke of the need to address maternal and infant deaths. She called for a vision that midwifery practice was not do a 'mere job' but to be part of a 'profession in which we are recognised as responsible and accountable'.

A keynote address was given by Professor Angela Sawyer, on 'Regional prevention of maternal mortality' (Angela will also give keynote at the ICM Congress in Glasgow). Other presentations given by midwives during focused on relevant topics including on:

* Anaemia and malaria in pregnancy

* Ante- and postpartum haemorrhage

* Multiple...