The European Commission has pledged 42 million euros to Nobel Peace laureate, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to help halve maternal mortality rates in Liberia, considered among the highest in the world.

With 770 women per 100,000 dying due to causes linked to childbirth, Liberia has the world's seventh worst maternal mortality rate, but hopes to reduce the figure 375. Britain in comparison sees 12 such deaths per 100,000 and is in 146th place.

EU's development commissioner Andris Piebalgs made the pledge Thursday during discussions with the Liberian leader in Brussels .

Around four women die each day from childbirth or pregnancy- related conditions, while only 37 percent of deliveries are done in health facilities and 46 percent of births attended by trained personnel.

The grant will be used to rehabilitate health centers, provide medical equipment and train staff.