Women and Children First, the GEANCO Foundation's 2009 Symposium on African Health, focuses on the devastating problem of maternal and infant mortality in Africa. The symposium, which takes place on November 7, 2009 from 11am-2pm at Caltech in Ramo Auditorium, will explore how and why so many mothers and young children die on the continent.

We will highlight the work of organizations that are saving vulnerable women and children in Africa and will detail the strategies and programs employed to improve maternal and infant health in Africa. We are also delighted to announce the symposium's featured speaker, Academy Award Winner Forest Whitaker.

The symposium is presented in cooperation with Caltech Student Affairs, and made possible with the generous co-sponsorship of 89.3 KPCC, the Gilliam foundation and the Caltech Y. We look forward to seeing you at this groundbreaking event.

The Symposium concluded to a standing ovation! We extend our deepest thanks to our speakers, volunteers and attendees, for coming together to increase the total knowledge about the perils facing Africa's women and children, and the hope. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for the symposium videos and slides to appear online.