Newfoundland--In an announcement from its headquarters in St. John's, Nfld., Mater Care International (MCI), which has its headquarters in St. John's, Nfld., said it hopes to open its Birth Trauma Centre.

Newfoundland -- In an announcement from its headquarters in St. John's, Nfld., Mater Care International (MCI), which has its headquarters in St. John's, Nfld., said it hopes to open its Birth Trauma Centre (for the treatment of obstetric fistula) in Ghana in the early summer of 2006.

Dr. Robert Walley, MCI executive director, reports that the main buildings are nearing completion; staff accommodations are next on schedule. The project is sponsored by Cardinal Peter Turkson, Archbishop of Cape Coast, Ghana. MCI's mission is to improve the health of both mother and babies through proper maternal care and obstetrical training for traditional birth attendants.

A second similar project is underway in Kenya, named after Pope John Paul II and Bishop Luigi Locati of Isolio, who was murdered in July 2005. The bishop had suggested to Dr. Walley that a birth centre be set up in his diocese.

A third birth centre is now planned for Rwanda. MCI can be contacted at [phone]; e-mail: [e-mail]....