TOPICS IN FOCUS

The Lancet Publishes Correspondence regarding "A Manifesto for Maternal Health Post-2015"

The current issue of The Lancet has published a correspondence regarding "A manifesto for maternal health post-2015". The manifesto was published in The Lancet in February 2013. You can read the manifesto, the correspondence and author's reply below:CommentA Manifesto for Maternal Health Post-2015On Jan 15–17, 2013, over 800 experts in maternal health came together in Arusha, Tanzania, to presentthe latest evidence on improving the quality of care for women during pregnancy and childbirth.

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Maternal Mortality Remains High in Uganda

In a recent artcile published by IRIN news (8 April 2013) maternal mortality remains stubbornly high. As documented in the 2011 Demographic and Health Survey the estimated mortality rate was between 310 and 480 dealths per 100,000 live deaths. There are myriad factors that account for this high rate. Specifically highlighted was the lack of midwives required to serve the population. Most of the midwives lack training and receive almost no compensation. In addition, the health facilities are poorly staffed without sufficient supplies, functioning equipment, and failing infratsructure.

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What Choice do our Ugandan Mothers Have?

Williams Moi is spot on regarding the plight of women of reproductive age in Uganda. LifeforMothers.org encountered the same challenges as described. Without a holistic/comprehensive strategy maternal/neonatal mortality will remain high and women along with their households will suffer. LifeforMothers employed CHWS who had mHealth technology (simple phones–not smart) and we were able to reach these women. The factors that restrict women from getting access to services are many, not limited to cultural, economic, transport, stigma, poverty and lack of education.

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Remarkable Reductions in Maternal Mortality Seen in Republic of Congo

Irin News has reported that the Republic of Congo has reduced maternal mortality from an astonishly high of 1100 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 426 deaths per 100,000 live births at the end of 2012. Working in concert with multilateral organizations, i.e. UNICEF, WHO, the World Bank and UNFPA and the Congolese government these remarkable results have been achieved. As opposed to other countries in Africa, 92% of the population live in urban areas making travel challenges and other issues not as critical in leading to maternal deaths. Almost 92% of women deliver in a health facility.

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