With a population close to 91, 000,000, Ethiopia has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in Africa. It is estimated to be almost 700 women dying per 100,000 life births. The causes for these astounding figures are similar to other countries in the region. They include but are not limited to the inability of women to access a health facility due to transportation costs; only 10% of women deliver at a health facility where a skilled birth attendant is present; a lack of male partner involvement, etc. Only 34% of all pregnant women attend a health center for antenatal care which has not increased deliveries at these facilities. In addition, many health facilities are lacking medications, equipment and health professionals necessary to provide comprehensive and emergency obstetric care. The unmet need for family planning has led to a fertility rate of 6 births per woman. To reduce maternal mortality and strengthen the poorly functioning health system a holistic strategy is necessary to be implemented.  Life for Mothers is implementing this approach that addresses the multitude of problems that women of reproductive age (15-49) encounter. Without political will and good stewardship to revamp the health care system women will continue to needlessly die and suffer life-long complications, e.g. obstetric fistula. To read the entire article please click here:  http://www.irinnews.org/Report/95356/ETHIOPIA-Still-too-many-deaths-in-childbirth