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Big-hearted Geri and Mia reach out on African mission


On 15 November 2006
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Geri Halliwell and Mia Farrow were both on a mission this week as they arrived in different African states to raise awareness of causes close to their hearts. The former Spice Girl was in Zambia as part of her role as a UN ambassador where she called for better healthcare for mums.

Now a parent herself to six-month old daughter Bluebell, Geri has become even more passionate about her charity work. "As a woman and as a mother, I feel passionate about empowering women and I would like to give the women of Zambia a voice of hope," she said.

The flame-haired singer chatted and joked with some Zambia University nurses at a health clinic and met with young HIV patients at Our Lady's Hospice in Lusaka during the two-day visit, which is intended to highlight Aids awareness. "Every woman deserves to have her baby safely," she added.

Fellow UN envoy Mia, meanwhile, has been visiting eastern Chad where the government recently declared a state of emergency across much of the region because of unrest. "I'm here to witness the suffering and go back to the United States to report it, to make people aware of this situation," she said on arrival in the town of Abeche.

The Rosemary's Baby star and former partner of director Woody Allen, who has also visited war-torn Darfur, made the trip to a refugee camp where she brought smiles to the faces of the displaced refugees.

Photo: © Alphapress.com
Former Spice Girl Geri jokes with Zambia University nurses during her visit to the African statePhoto: © AFPy
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Fellow UN ambassador Mia Farrow, meanwhile, flew into Eastern Chad where she brought a smile to the face of one youngsterPhoto: © Getty Images