Dodowa (GAR), Nov. 26, GNA - A three-day Women's Leadership Conference= of the Council of Anglican Province of Africa (CAPA) has been held at Dodowa= in the Dangme West District. It aimed at training women to become change agents at the grassroots towards the realization of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It is being attended by 250 delegates from the provinces and dioceses in Africa under the theme, "State and Church working together to promote the=

health of people especially at the grassroots". Speaking at the conference, the wife of the Archbishop and Primate Chu= rch of the Province of West Africa and Bishop of Accra, Dr. Mrs. Maria Akrofi=

said the conference sought to develop leadership skills among African wom= en in the church to bring about social transformation within individuals and=

communities in Africa. The conference will also establish links with international health services to support health improvements in developing countries. Dr. Mrs. Akrofi said it will further facilitate the achievement of th= e Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) target date and beyond, promote the recognition and building of a comprehensive health care system covering a= ll non-communicable diseases.

She stressed the need for church and state collaboration to promote t= he well-being and health of individuals. Dr. Mrs. Akrofi revealed that the church will design strategies to promote projects that impact on women and girls at the grassroots level, sensitize and increase awareness of people inside and outside Africa including the Diaspora. She said the church was poised to partner government in the eradicati= on of HIV/AIDS, and reduction of infant and maternal mortality but that it w= as financially constrained and made a passionate appeal to public spirited individuals to assist the church to carry out its mandate. 26 Nov 10