Maternal health summit opens

Prime Minister Stephen Harper opened an international summit on maternal health in Toronto with some high-profile guests.

They include philanthropist Melinda Gates, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, the Aga Khan, and Queen Rania of Jordan.

The three day Saving Every Woman, Every Child summit is a continuation of efforts Harper launched at the 2010 G8 summit in Muskoka. It’s aimed at reducing the millions of needless deaths of pregnant women, newborns and young children in the developing world.

To mark the summit World Vision installed an exhibit outside St James Cathedral in Toronto. It depicts 100 silhouettes, representing the world’s uncounted women and children who are most at risk.

Back in 2010, Canada pledged $2.85 billion towards maternal care in developing countries. That money helped leverage $40 billion in aid worldwide.