On 26 November 2014, taking the opportunity of the launch in Addis-Ababa of the African Health Stat Data Platform by the African Union Commission (AUC), UNFPA Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Benoit Kalasa, in a video message congratulated AUC for its leadership in the Campaign on Accelerated reduction of maternal, newborn and child mortality in Africa (CARMMA) and the new dynamic online data platform.

His message (www.youtube.com/watch) highlighted on the achievements of CARMMA in responding to the actions mandated by the Maputo Plan of Action (MPoA) and in providing the roadmap in addressing and working towards the MDGS 4, 5 and 6.

“CARMMA is truly living up to its slogan that "Africa Cares: No woman should die while giving life". An attestation to this fact is the bold move by the African Union Commission and its partners in the launch of a dynamic online data platform - The African Health Stats. This is a landmark achievement for the AU and we at UNFPA are confident that this platform, with the right advocacy, will be to the AU, what the Human Development Index is to the United Nations”, said Mr. Kalasa.

He also noted the progress made so far in CARMMA launches (20 countries out of 22) within the West and Central Africa region.

The event which coincided with the CARMMA week from 24-28 November 2014 was attended by more than 30 participants: AUC officials (Commissioner and Director of the Social Affairs), representatives from the diplomatic community in Addis Ababa, UN Agencies and INGOs and the local media.

Remarks were made by representatives from CSOs and USAID followed by Mr. Kalasa’s video message.

The data platform (www.africanhealthstats.org/cms/) was officially launched by the Commissioner of Social Affairs of the African Union. It has currently 33 health indicators across 4 different categories: reproductive, maternal, neonatal and child health; HIV & AIDS; Malaria and Tuberculosis; and Health Financing.

The African Health Stats is said to be user-friendly, a very important accountability platform specifically in tracking the MPoA and Abuja Call commitment and a platform for showcasing successes and celebrating progress.