Our Voices 436: Maternal Mortality: Saving Mother and Baby

Summary

This video script highlights the urgent maternal health challenges in Africa, particularly in countries with high maternal mortality rates like South Sudan, Nigeria, and Malawi. It features personal stories, such as the work of midwife Charity Salima, who has delivered 12,000 babies without fatalities, and the struggles of women in hazardous environments like Nairobi’s Dandora dump. It explores the barriers to maternal care, including cultural beliefs, inadequate infrastructure, and pollution, while advocating for solutions such as improved healthcare systems, training for traditional birth attendants, and raising public awareness to improve maternal health outcomes across the continent.

Takeaways

• 😀 Maternal health in Africa faces significant challenges, with high maternal and neonatal mortality rates in many countries, particularly in conflict and low-resource areas.
• 😀 Approximately 800 women die daily from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth, with the highest rates in sub-Saharan Africa.
• 😀 Poor infrastructure, lack of trained healthcare professionals, and economic barriers prevent many women from accessing essential maternal healthcare services.
• 😀 Environmental pollution, particularly in areas like Nairobi's Dandora dump, increases risks for pregnant women, leading to complications like miscarriage and preterm birth.
• 😀 Cultural and religious beliefs sometimes prevent women from seeking essential medical interventions like cesarean sections or blood transfusions, contributing to maternal deaths.
• 😀 Traditional birth attendants (TBAs) are integral to maternal healthcare in rural African communities, but there is a need for formal training and integration into the healthcare system to reduce risks.
• 😀 Personal stories, such as those shared by women who have experienced medical negligence or lost babies due to inadequate healthcare, highlight the urgent need for systemic change in maternal health policies.
• 😀 Charity Salima, a celebrated midwife in Malawi, has managed to deliver 12,000 babies without fatalities by providing care to women in underserved communities, despite limited resources.
• 😀 Community-based healthcare, like Salima’s clinic, plays a crucial role in addressing maternal health challenges by offering affordable and accessible services to vulnerable populations.
• 😀 The involvement of male partners in maternal health, including family planning and care decisions, is essential for improving overall health outcomes for women and children.

Q & A

What is the main issue highlighted regarding maternal health in Africa?

The main issue is the high maternal mortality rate in Africa, with approximately 800 women dying every day from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth, due to factors like inadequate healthcare, lack of trained professionals, and poor infrastructure.

How does maternal healthcare differ between urban and rural areas in Africa?

In urban areas, women often have better access to healthcare facilities and regular prenatal checkups, reducing risks. In contrast, rural areas face challenges like limited access to healthcare services, lack of skilled professionals, and poor infrastructure, making pregnancy and childbirth riskier.

What role does pollution play in maternal health in Africa?

Pollution, especially from waste dumps like Nairobi’s Dandora landfill, increases the risk of maternal health issues. Women working in polluted environments face health hazards like cancer, infertility, and complications during pregnancy due to exposure to toxic substances.

What are some of the key factors contributing to maternal deaths aside from inadequate healthcare?

Other key factors include physical abuse, conflict, environmental pollution, and cultural or religious beliefs that may prevent women from receiving necessary medical care during childbirth.

What is the significance of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) in African maternal health?

Traditional birth attendants (TBAs) play a crucial role in communities with limited access to healthcare. However, they often lack proper tools and medical knowledge to handle complications, which can lead to risks for both mother and child.

What is the impact of cultural and religious beliefs on maternal health care in Nigeria?

In Nigeria, cultural and religious beliefs sometimes prevent women from receiving necessary medical procedures like cesarean sections or blood transfusions. This refusal of care can lead to maternal and infant deaths.

How can communities support maternal health in areas with limited resources?

Communities can support maternal health by empowering local midwives and traditional birth attendants through training and providing necessary resources, as well as promoting awareness and access to basic healthcare services.

How has Charidy Salima contributed to improving maternal health in Malawi?

Charidy Salima, a midwife in Malawi, has delivered over 12,000 babies with no fatalities, despite limited resources. She runs a clinic that offers affordable maternity services to women in her community, demonstrating an exemplary model of community-driven healthcare.

What are the main challenges midwives face in Malawi, according to the script?

Midwives in Malawi, like Charidy Salima, face challenges such as limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and the need to work with minimal staff. Despite these challenges, Salima's clinic has managed to provide high-quality care to thousands of women.

What emotional and psychological support is offered to women who experience pregnancy loss in Nigeria?

In Nigeria, organizations like the Nyla Foundation provide mental health support through licensed psychologists, offering therapies such as art and dance therapy to help women cope with the emotional impact of pregnancy and infant loss.