CQUniversity is again throwing its support behind the Zonta Club of Mackay's annual Birthing Kit Assembly Day initiative, which benefits women in developing countries.

The University has provided a $500 sponsorship towards the assembly of 800 kits which contain the basic requirements for a clean safe birth, including a sheet, soap, gloves, cords, scalpel and gauze squares contained in a press-seal bag. They are light, small, water-resistant and simple to use.

Zonta's Marie Cameron (right) thanks Midwifery academics Annie Eaton (left) and Elaine Jefford (second from right) and Medical Sonography student Amanda McGill (second from left) for helping pack birthing kits last year. Last year, the packs were sent to Afghanistan where there are limited medical and health services available. In the past, Zonta birthing kits have also been sent to other countries such as Papua New Guinea, Kenya, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Zonta Club of Mackay president Marie Cameron said the initiative would seek to change the frightening statistic that approximately 585,000 women die annually in childbirth. Developing countries account for 99 per cent of these deaths.

The packs will be assembled on Sunday, August 26 from 10am at the Central Queensland Institute of TAFE's decommissioned kitchen on Wood Street, Mackay.

More details are available on the Birthing Kit Assembly Day initiative. If you wish to provide your support or volunteer on the day, please contact Marie Cameron via email marie.cameron@riotinto.com or phone 0407 648 636.