Appeal made to prevent horrors in Africa

Stephen Ngugi was a special guest speaker at Lancing College’s Advent Hope Carols by Candlelight service on Monday.

In his talk, Stephen explained how he and his colleagues have been challenging the cultural norms and helping women in Kenya seek access to health services, as well as ensuring there are adequate medical supplies and equipment.

He said: “Less than half of all births are attended by a healthcare professional and every day 40 women die in childbirth. Around 14,700 babies die on their first day of life annually, yet most of those deaths could be prevented.”

In rural Narok County, south-west Kenya, the project, which is funded by donations made to Christian Aid, has trained more than 64 nurses and 864 community health workers and traditional birth attendants.

Stephen is hoping that people will support Christian Aid’s Christmas appeal, so it can do more.

He said: “The UK government will be matching pound for pound the money raised by churches and individuals between November 7 and February 6.”

Last year’s event raised £4385 for Christian Aid and it is hoped that more has been raised this time around.