My first trip to Ghana and we’re out visiting a maternity clinic. While the clinic is not well resourced by UK standards, the women of Agona Swedru are lucky to enjoy the commitment of Sister Mercy Asiedua. She says she is “retired, but not tired.” Her face beams as she shows us round.
Retired, but not tiredMy first trip to Ghana and we’re out visiting a maternity clinic. While the clinic is not well resourced by UK standards, the women of Agona Swedru are lucky to enjoy the commitment of Sister Mercy Asiedua. She says she is “retired, but not tired.”Her face beams as she shows us round.After my bout of self-consciousness had dissipated, I sit down with these new mothers. We talk about their growing family. They were mostly a little shy, but soon began to proudly show their tiny babies. I heard squeals of delights when they were showed the photos, which didn’t require any translation.Like any new mother the world over.So, the debate on funding for international aid in the UK frustrates me. Articles such as these the Daily Telegraph and the Daily Mail - with a less than neutrally entitled “How your money is squandered on foreign aid” .There is no us and them – we are all the same, especially at these most primal times.Healthier mothers result in healthier economiesSister Mercy is a wonderful nurse. Caring, skilled and experienced, she knows what the mothers and their babies need and she fights to get it to them.For all the loose talk of corruption and poorly spent aid money, people like Sister Mercy are in their communities, making a difference. Saving lives.But if that does not convince, look at the facts. We know that investing in mothers’ health is not only good for that family, that community, but also for the whole country.The evidence is clear - healthier mothers result in healthier economies, and that benefits all of us, the world over.The survival of mothers and babies has been a consistent priority for UK aid, and in places like Ghana, we can see the effect every day.