New Update Reports

15/09/08 We have recently recieved several update reports on projects from the field.

Click here to read the latest report from UCOA's Orphans and Vulnerable Children Project in Mwandi, Zambia.

Click here to read the latest report from UCOA's Skills Training Project in Dichpalli, India.

Maternal mortality rate doubles

1/9/08 THE number of mothers dying while giving birth in Papua New Guinea has doubled in the last ten years.

Preliminary findings from the 2006 demographic and health survey (DHS) revealed that the maternal mortality rate (MMR) (of mothers dying while giving birth) had increased from 370 in 1996, to 733 per 100,000 live births.
Major causes of deaths among child-bearing mothers were bleeding (during pregnancy, delivery or afterwards), high blood pressure including complications that arose from it, obstructed labour, unsafe abortions and infections. The finding by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) indicated the country’s health status was low compared to other countries.

MMR and the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) are two of the most important indicators used to measure the health status of the country. The MMR is measured as the number of mothers who die from pregnancy, labour and up to six weeks post delivery from causes related to pregnancy per 100,000 live births. It expressed the risk of death among women once they become pregnant.

These conditions were made worse especially when most mothers got pregnant without having enough blood.
Malaria and other infections also worsened the conditions and contributed to 75% of all maternal deaths. The tragedy was that the causes did not have to lead to death.

Papua New Guinea Inflation goes up to 10.7%

28/08/08 INFLATION has shot up to 10.7%, indicating a general increase in the prices of goods and services over the past three months to June 30.

Figures supplied by the National Statistical Office (NSO) indicated an annual headline inflation (June quarter 2007 to June quarter 2008) increase of 3.2%. The March quarter recorded headline inflation at 7.5%.

The increase surpasses Bank of PNG’s earlier assumptions of an inflation at 9% for the remainder of this year, and would be a cause for concern in which BPNG is likely to further tighten monetary policy, increase its signalling kina facility rate (KFR) and other instruments at its disposal to counter price increases.
The NSO said the CPI (consumer price index) showed 3.7% in the June quarter this year, compared to 3.1% in March.

President of Zambia dies at age 59

20/08/08 ZAMBIAN President Levy Mwanawasa, who died on August 19 aged 59, became a darling of the West by daring to criticise Robert Mugabe and keeping a tight rein on his country's economy.

When the rest of southern Africa's leaders kept quiet over Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai's decision to pull out of a runoff election against Mugabe, Mr Mwanawasa described their silence as "scandalous".

"Free campaigns have not been allowed, and the Opposition have been denied access to the media," he said.

His temerity in panning Mugabe - in contrast to the much-criticised quiet diplomacy of South African President Thabo Mbeki - won him the enmity of the Harare regime, which portrayed him as a puppet of old colonial power Britain.

Western powers warmed to Mwanawasa, with European nations stumping up $US160 million ($184.3 million) in aid for Zambian poverty eradication programs for next year.

Click here to read more

Our Water Footprints

20/8/08 The massive scale of UK's water consumption was revealed recently, discovering that each Briton uses 4,645 litres a day when hidden factors are included

The scale of British water consumption and its impact around the world is revealed in a new report, which warns of the hidden levels needed to produce food and clothing.

The UK has become the sixth largest net importer of water in the world, the environment group WWF will tell a meeting of international experts in Stockholm, with every consumer indirectly responsible for the use of thousands of litres a day. Only 38% of the UK's total water use comes from its own resources; the rest depends on the water systems of other countries, some of which are already facing serious shortages.

The study makes the first attempt to measure the UK's total "water footprint" and highlights the extent to which our imports come from countries which are running out of fresh water. It calculates that:

· Average household water use for washing and drinking in the UK is about 150 litres a person daily, but we consume about 30 times as much in "virtual water", used in the production of imported food and textiles;

· Taking virtual water into account, each of us soaks up 4,645 litres a day;

· People in poorer countries typically subsist on 1,000 litres of virtual water a day;

Click here to read more

Uncertain future for Zimbabwe as opposition leader withdraws from race

25/6/08 The withdrawal of candidate, Morgan Tsvangirai, from the run-off election for the presidency of Zimbabwe is understandable and reflects the level of intimidation and brutality towards opposition supporters.

Uniting Church President urges support for UCOA Burma Cyclone Appeal

As the tragic reality of the Burma cyclone continues to emerge, Uniting Church Overseas Aid (UCOA) has launched the UCOA Burma Cyclone Appeal to bring aid to the thousands who are in desperate need.

Uniting Church President Rev Gregor Henderson voices his support for the appeal and commits the Uniting Church to standing with the Burmese people in this devestating time.

Click Here to read Press Release

Concern for the Lives of Women shapes Support for Foreign Aid Policy Change on Safe Pregnancy Services

Kerry Enright, Director Uniting Church Overseas Aid, has written to the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs to indicate the support of the Uniting Church for the removal of the present policy restricting Australian aid funding for activities that involve access to and information about all aspects of maternal health.

To read more Click Here

Cry Tears for Burma   1/6/08 The situation in Myanmar/Burma remains distressing.  Many people will not receive help in time and will die as a result.  It is estimated that 450,000 people have been assisted.  UCOA's Appeal for Burma continues to help the with the aid and relief of the thousands affected.   A letter from Burma describes despair being felt in the aftermath of cyclone Nargis.   Click Here to read the letter

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