Less Money for Mothers and Babies

May 10, 2026, 12:41
AfricaHealth

Introduction

Rich countries are giving less money to poor countries. Now, more mothers and babies are dying.

Main Body

In the past, fewer mothers died. Now, this is changing. The US gave much less money in 2025. The UK also plans to give less money to Africa. Less money means fewer doctors and clinics. In some places, there are no more mobile clinics. Mothers cannot find help when they have babies. Many women died last year because they had no health care. In West Africa, more mothers will die because the programs stopped.

Conclusion

The UN wants 70 mothers to die per 100,000 births by 2030. Now, 197 mothers die. This is a big problem.

Learning

The 'Amount' Rule

In this text, we see a pattern for talking about things we can count (like doctors) and things we cannot count (like money).

1. Money (Cannot count) We use Less

  • Less money → Small amount of cash.

2. People/Places (Can count) We use Fewer

  • Fewer doctors → Not many doctors.
  • Fewer mothers → Small number of women.

Quick Comparison:

  • ❌ Less doctors o o ✅ Fewer doctors
  • ❌ Fewer money o o ✅ Less money

Why it matters for A2: Using fewer instead of less for people makes your English sound more natural and accurate.

Vocabulary Learning

rich (adj.)
Having a lot of money or wealth.
Example:The rich man donated money to the charity.
countries (n.)
A nation or a state.
Example:Many countries have diverse cultures.
giving (v.)
To provide or donate something.
Example:She is giving her time to the project.
less (adj.)
A smaller amount or quantity.
Example:I need less sugar in my coffee.
money (n.)
Currency used for buying goods.
Example:He saved a lot of money for his trip.
poor (adj.)
Lacking money or resources.
Example:The poor family needed help.
mothers (n.)
Women who have given birth.
Example:Mothers often care for their children.
babies (n.)
Very young children.
Example:The babies were sleeping peacefully.
dying (v.)
Losing life or health.
Example:The old man was dying in the hospital.
doctors (n.)
Medical professionals who treat patients.
Example:Doctors help people stay healthy.
clinics (n.)
Places where medical care is given.
Example:The clinic offers free check-ups.
help (v.)
To assist or support.
Example:Can you help me with this task?
health (n.)
The state of being well or fit.
Example:Good health is important for everyone.
care (n.)
Attention and support given to someone.
Example:She gave her child much care.
programs (n.)
Organized plans or activities.
Example:The government runs many programs for education.
stopped (v.)
Ceased or ended.
Example:The train stopped at the station.
big (adj.)
Large in size or amount.
Example:They have a big house in the city.
problem (n.)
An issue or difficulty.
Example:We need to solve this problem.
give (v.)
To present or offer something.
Example:Please give me the book.
more (adv.)
Additional amount or quantity.
Example:I need more time to finish the work.