R198m boost for maternal, child health care

This comes after a visit by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi to the UK on 15-16 September, where he met with representatives from the DFID.

"This support from the UK government will enable us to make great progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals of reducing child mortality and improving maternal health," said Motsoaledi.

The DFDI is already funding South Africa's Revitalised Response to Health and HIV (SARRAH 2010 - 2014) to the tune of 25 million pounds (approximately R250 million).

Motsoaledi said the additional R198 million underlines the confidence the UK government has in the healthcare programmes being developed in South Africa.

The funds will go towards the improvement of reproductive, maternal and child health (RMCH) services, delivery of school health, municipal ward-based primary health care, and obstetric and neonatal emergency services.

Money will also be used for improved demand and accountability for RMCH services and new knowledge to remove barriers to uptake and access RMCH services.

During the UK visit, Motsoaledi also met with the Quality Care Commission, the government authority handling medical litigation, the National Health System and colleges of obstetrics & gynaecologists and family practice.

He also met with 30 South African nurses currently working in the UK, who indicated a desire and willingness to come back home and work in South Africa.

South African High Commissioner to the UK, Dr Zola Skweyiya, welcomed the support shown by the UK government, noting that it further strengthened the longstanding and deeply entrenched relationship between South Africa and the UK.

"This type of ongoing support is extremely helpful to us achieving our health goals as the government of South Africa strives to improve the lives of all South Africans," said Skweyiya.

Ten inspectors from South Africa will in November 2011 receive training from the UK's Care Quality Commission in preparation for the office of standards compliance activities that will make sure health facilities meet standards of quality.