Focusing on maternal mortality and morbidity

Abstract

The rate of maternal mortality is a measure of the health care available in a society. Maternal mortality rates in most of Africa are estimated at between 3 and 12/1000 births, indicating an inadequate health care system. Morbidity levels are also high. There is a lack of knowledge regarding health care facilities. In addition, antenatal care is not regularly provided. Antenatal clinics should serve as a screen to identify high risk obstetric cases, especiallly those involving cephalopelvic disproportion. The shortage of trained personnel also contributes to the high rate of mortality and morbidity in Africa. The establishment of a medical program in East Africa will remedy this condition somewhat. However, medical personnel will still be providing delivery services for only 25% of the population in 1984. More reliance will have to be made on the traditional birth attendants. Therefore, they should receive proper training.