Maternal mortality: helping women off the road to death
- PMID: 3590739
Maternal mortality: helping women off the road to death
Abstract
PIP: One of the widest health disparities between rich and poor is in maternal mortality. This article discusses a WHO Interregional Meeting on the Prevention Of Maternal Mortality in November 1985. The manor medical causes of maternal deaths in developing countries are already known (hemorrhage, infection, and toxemia), but these diagnoses are usually just the last stretch of the road to death. 88-98% of all maternal deaths could probably have been avoided by correcting the following 4 factors: 1) deficient medical treatment of complications; 2) lack of essential supplies and trained personnel; 3) lack of access to maternity services; and 4) lack of prenatal care. Maternal age, parity, unwanted pregnancy, and illegal induced abortion contribute to maternal deaths. Socioeconomic factors also undoubtedly play a large role in maternal deaths. In order for there to be a concerted and effective effort to reduce maternal deaths in developing countries, governments must make maternal mortality a priority public health issue, and should review their policies and programs with an eye to preventing maternal deaths. More effective means of treating complications must be made available at the 1st referral level. In addition to upgrading peripheral health facilities, attention must be paid to the key role of transportation. An effort should be made to make all kinds of government vehicles available in emergencies. To implement programs successfully, training is crucial. 3 broad types of research are needed; research on appropriate technology for preventing maternal deaths; health systems research on innovative programs; and epidemiological research on the incidence and causes of maternal deaths.
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