Let’s end maternal deaths
EDITOR — Maternal deaths continue to rise in the country with a total of 195 women dying whilst giving birth, according to the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
Are these deaths all a result of poor maternal health care for our expecting mothers or lack of knowledge on what one should do whilst expecting?
Educating and empowering women and girls about maternal health issues are important because most of these women lack knowledge. We can also form expecting and nursing mothers’ focus groups so that they meet and discuss relevant issues on personal health and nursing a baby.
Most reported cases of maternal mortality show that the women at greatest risk are those living in the rural areas and among poorer communities, which calls on Government to make sure that those in remote areas are enlightened.
We can prevent these deaths if we invest in a few key safe and affordable health services to ease the stress on our women seeking health services.
In addition, maternal health care systems must be strengthened, communities mobilised and educated to improve deliveries at clinics.
Skilled community-based birth attendants (village health workers) should be trained and posted to increase maternal coverage in remote areas.