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Press Release

25 June 2008

UK creates roadmap to safer motherhood in Malawi

International Development Minister, Gillian Merron rides motorbike sidecar ambulanceMalawian mothers-to-be are making unusual journeys to the delivery room - by motorbike sidecar - 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.

Malawian women are 100 times more likely to die as a result of being pregnant than British women. The UK government is determined that mothers in Malawi and across the globe should be able to bring children into this world safely and confidently.

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Notes to editors

  • The Minister introduced the eRanger services to the House of Commons in April and was in Malawi from Tuesday 17 until Thursday 19 June.
  • Malawi has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality in the world and the Department for International Development has contributed £100 million to help improve health services.
  • Every year more than half a million women – one woman a minute - die in childbirth or as a result of becoming pregnant. When a woman dies, the chances of her newborn surviving are much lower. More than four babies die each year within their first month of life.
  • For further information contact Sarah Thoms, s-thoms@dfid.gov.uk , on 0207 023 0849.
  • More information on all of DFID’s work including the recent launch of the Global AIDS strategy can be obtained via our website.
  • eRanger is run by Ian Avery at their Harrogate head office. external websiteFurther information on the eRanger ambulances and the history of the company.

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