Women should not die in childbirth in the 21st century - that is unequivocal. But an alarming number still do - most in the developing world - and, it seems, in sub-Saharan Africa, most are still dying of preventable diseases and not the complications of childbirth itself. Every year, half a million women die during childbirth, during pregnancy or within a few weeks of delivery. Half of all these maternal deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa. The number of maternal deaths per 100 000 live births in this region is nearly 1 000. In industrialised countries this figure is one in 8 000 - a stark and tragic contrast. In a study done recently in Maputo, Mozambique, researchers found that one third of women died of obstetric complcations, mainly haemorrhage. The rest died of HIV/AIDS-related complications - mainly infections and cancer, and infections caused by bacteria (pneumonia and meningitis) and malaria. Infectious diseases are largely treatable - even HIV and AIDS. We have the means to prevent these deaths - deaths that affect many people for each woman who dies - it is time for governments across Africa to act. And for the developed world to stop dictating how Africa runs its health services in order to secure loans and trade agreements.
Bridget Farham Editor https://www.bizcommunity.com