Remarks by H.E. Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko
Working Lunch for Heads of State & Government
Campaign on Accelerated Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA)
27 January 2013

Opening Remarks

- Your Excellencies, Heads of State & Government,
- Honourable Ministers,
- Excellency Secretary General of the United Nations,
- Excellencies Heads and Representatives of UN Agencies,
- Members of the Diplomatic Corp,
- Distinguished Participants,
- Ladies and Gentlemen

On behalf of the Chairperson of the AU Assembly, who is the host of this event, I have the honour to serve as Programme Director.

We are gathered here today around the Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal, Mortality in Africa (CARMMA) to celebrate the successes of this Campaign, review existing challenges and define a future direction. Given the heavy social and economic burden that maternal, new born and child morbidity and mortality continues to exert on our continent’s development, we would need to address these preventable deaths, if Africa is to achieve the MDGs and its post 2015 development objectives.

The significant presence of AU Heads of State and Government demonstrates the importance that the health of women and children continues to engender at the highest level of leadership in Africa. In spite of progress and results achieved, issues affecting women’s health are yet to attain their rightful place in national priorities. Therefore today, we would look forward to open, frank and strategic discussions to ensure that CARMMA is strengthened and concrete results are further demonstrated.

It is therefore my pleasure to welcome everyone to this high level event on CARMMA. I now invite you to watch a short video on CARMMA.

After the video, invite the Chairperson of the AUC to give welcome remarks.

After the welcome remarks of the AUC Chair, the CSA will say;

I have the singular honour and privilege of inviting the host of the event, H.E President Boni Yayi, the President of the Republic of Benin to give his opening remarks, and from this point onwards, His Excellency will conduct the affairs of this event.

Your Excellency you have the floor.

Communiqué and Vote of Thanks’
Excellencies;
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen;
We have indeed had a fruitful session and key points of this event as highlighted in the communiqué include.
(communiqué’ will be provided to the CSA)