AN OXFORDSHIRE based international development charity has been awarded funding so it can save the lives of pregnant women.

Cyan International has secured a grant of almost £150,000 from the Government to continue its vital work with maternal health in rural Afghanistan.

The charity, based in Didcot, is working with thousands of women in the remote Ghor province to teach them how to better prepare for giving birth.

Working with women of childbearing age, their husbands and older women who have influence in the household, the charity helps women understand safe birthing practices and what to do in case of complications.

Head of operations, Kat Wagner said: “Cyan International is grateful to UK Aid Direct and the British people for enabling this project in such a remote, mountainous part of Afghanistan. Many pregnant women here are at risk in childbirth due to unsafe traditional practices”.