Visiting Australian Governor General, Quentin Bryce, on Sunday said that her government is eager to support efforts of improving maternal health in Zambia.

Bryce said Zambia and Australia have enjoyed strong bonds of relations, hence her country's determination to support Zambia's programs in line with the vision of achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

According to Zambia News and Information Service(ZANIS), Bryce said this in Chongwe when she inspected Australian-funded income generating youth projects at the Christian Children Fund, (CCF) offices.

She also commended CCF for playing an important role in the efforts of uplifting the living standards of vulnerable children in society.

Bryce, further, added that youths are significant partners in national economic growth, hence required skills training to enhance their involvement, ZANIS said.

Director Victor Koyi said he was happy with the continued supports that his organization is getting from the Austrian government through the child fund.

Koyi said the fund has helped improve the well being of vulnerable children and youths in communities.

He has also disclosed that CCF Zambia through the child fund in the next five years will scale up programs in maternal health, education, and in the reduction of HIV/AIDS programs among others, ZANIS said.

(Xinhua News Agency March 23, 2009)