MATERNAL MORTALITY RATE IN SOUTH AFRICA
According to Maternal Health Study (MNPI) conducted in Glastonbury USA there are about five hundred thousand (500,000) women and girls who died in maternal complicated disease related to pregnancy and childbirth each year. At least about 90% or more of the occurrence came from developing countries such as South Africa. And according to them the following causes are the reasons of their death. Abstetic fistula, ruptured uterus and pelvic inflammatory diseases are among the reasons that may occur up to 42 days following childbirth. Other causes may include hemorrhage, hypertensive disorder and obstructed labor. Unsafe conditions of women like diabetes, high blood, malaria and Sexually Transmitted Diseases may also affect some of women’s maternal mortality issues. Women’s low status in society, limited education, poor nutrition and decision making power may also contribute significantly to adverse pregnancy helplessness.
The maternal mortality rate in South Africa is consequently high and unacceptable. While the number continues to increase and are highly controversial figure of at least five thousand (5000) girls and women each year more or less still due to pregnancy related complications. Additionally Some 32,000 to 111,000 South African women and girls will suffer from pregnancy. Although we can easily say that this tragic story can be prevented with proper guidelines and nutrition if given by the government health care system in South Africa. The government should help to assess and implement these health benefits to its people not just to reduce the maternal mortality rate but to help the people of South Africa in general. Health care programs should be implemented in all municipalities to the full range of services. Some efforts to undertake this problems have been taken effects but still the continual death rate increases still spread all over South Africa. According to African Government the lack of resources may somehow hinder their programs.
The traditions and culture like early marriage marrying before 20 years old and female genital cutting which includes all or some parts of the external genitalia and or stitching the vaginal opening of girls who’s body is still in developing process have put girls and baby on their womb at risk. These types of practices are common in all South East Asian nations especially in Africa to maintain social and cultural belief. These women who indulge themselves in such practice are definitely putting themselves to risk of death. Abortion is permitted on a broad socio-economic ground or without restrictions as to reasons of gestational limits.
In 1970 there are about 750 health experts’ surrounds entirely the region to investigate and assess the 49 developing countries using tested technology to promote health and activities. Family planning is now being implemented throughout South Africa. Health Education and safe sex is also being taught in schools. Since education and training brings utmost importance to resolve the following issues that will prevent maternal death and disability to protect girls and women. As of 2001 the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) remains poor in South Africa it was 542 per 100,000 live births. This level is much higher. The following intervention has been considered to strengthen South Africa’s maternal and neonatal health policies and programs. These are called the Priority Access Areas.
1. Increase the access to reproductive health – Due to lack of access in reproductive health maternal death increases in rural areas than in urban areas.
2. Strengthen health and family planning program – Barriers to strengthen implementation and full financing of reproductive health and family planning policies must be removed.
3. Increase access to high quality antenatal care – They should give all women information about diet and other healthy practices and where to seek help in for pregnancy complications
4. Increase access to skilled delivery care- Skilled professionals should be available in the community so that women can easily seek advice when especial attention is needed. Health care establishment should also be available.
5. Provide postpartum care, counseling – To efficiently manage the problems that may occur after giving birth. Counseling includes breastfeeding and immunization.
6. Improve post abortion care – Women needs proper attention due to injuries of infection and cervix uterus hemorrhage cause by abortion.
7. Strengthen health promotion activities – Educate the public in maternal care through the help of specialists and other forms of media.
Source (Population reference Bureau 2002 Women of our world). The following statistics/figure is joint program estimation under UNICEF- United Nation International Children’s Emergency Funds, WHO- World Health Organization, and World Bank.
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
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