Fifteen spouses of African heads of state and government, from countries ranging from Swaziland to Kenya and Sierra Leone, have joined in a unique summit in Los Angeles, California, dedicated to how they can help their nations promote better health and education.
The meeting, named the "African First Ladies Health Summit" was jointly organized by the non-profit groups, U.S. Doctors for Africa (USDFA), and African Synergy Against AIDS and Suffering a charitable group formed by 22 spouses of heads of state.
The summit brought political leaders, healthcare policy experts, aid organizations and business leaders together to help the "first ladies" fulfil their roles in addressing problems such as HIV/Aids, maternal and child health and girls' education.
Ted Alemayhu, founder of USDFA, said the spouses were "some of Africa's most important leaders" and helping them was critical to improving health on the continent.
"Empowering Africa's first ladies is an innovative approach to bettering the lives of millions of Africans," he added. "The summit will pair these leaders with U.S. experts, key political figures and important organizations to create ongoing partnerships."
The summit was opened by Maria Shriver, a journalist and the spouse of California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has been an advocate of women's issues in her state. Hollywood actors heightened the summit's profile, and Sarah Brown, wife of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, was scheduled to speak Tuesday. Brown is co-chair of a global group working to reduce deaths in childbirth.
Those attending included: Ida Odinga, wife of Kenyan prime minister Raila Odinga, and first ladies Laraba Tandja of Niger, Penehupifo Pohamba of Namibia, Thandiwe Banda of Zambia, Maria da Luz Dai Guebuza of Mozambique, Mathato Sarah Mosisili of Lesotho, Sia Nyama Koroma of Sierra Leone, Adelcia Barreto Pires of Cape Verde, Chantal Biya of Cameroon, Ana Paula Dos Santos of Angola, Inkhosikati LaMbikiza of Swaziland and Turai Umaru Yar'Adua of Nigeria.
Six other countries sent delegations to the summit: the Republic of Congo, Gambia, Equatorial Guinea, Mali, South Africa and Uganda.
