26 September 2008The Red Cross has distributed 1,300 kits to help pregnant women in northern Ugandan camps for displaced people give birth safely and hygienically. Called 'mama bags', the kits contain a mosquito net, sterilised medical supplies, nappies and other essential items.Red Cross volunteers work with communities to identify those in need, explain how
to use the items and check that they are using them correctly. In 2008, the Red Cross is distributing mama bags to 2,500 women.Cathy Ayer, support officer for conflict programmes, said:
"Mama bags help pregnant women have safer deliveries, which may contribute to a reduction in the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, as well as reducing the risk of contracting malaria."Malaria symptomsPeople infected with malaria often feel flu-like symptoms, including:
fever
vomiting
headaches.
If left untreated, can affect the
liver, brain and central nervous system and can lead to death. According to the World Health Organisation, more than one
million people die of malaria every year, mostly infants, young children and pregnant women in Africa.Read about our work in UgandaFind
out about our work with civilians in conflict areas
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
Somali refugees sleep in a hut after they survived a boat capsize off the southern Yemeni area of Rada September 24, 2008. Yemeni officials said five women and a child drowned ...
