The German government pledged US$1.8 million to the United Nations Fund for Population

Activities to help reduce the country's high maternal mortality rates. An October

30 German Embassy announcement said the funds will be channeled through the UNFPA

to the Ministry of Health. UNFPA 's Alice Levisay said the German funds would be

used to support midwifery capacities and maternal health programs in Cambodia. Midwives

are in short supply and midwifery technical skills required significant improvement,

according to UNFPA.