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5. Improve Maternal Health
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What is it? |
This goal focuses on the importance of caring for women who are pregnant, to ensure that they are in good health before, during and after the birth of their babies to prevent deaths associated with giving birth, |
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What are the targets? |
Reduce by three-quarters the ration of women dying in childbirth by 2015
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Facts and Stats |
- More than 500,000 women die in pregnancy and childbirth every year – that is one death every minute
- 99% of these death are in the developing countries of the global south
- The ratio of women who die giving birth is 1:16 (Africa), 1: 2000 (Europe) and 1:4000 in North America, including Canada (source: UNFPA)
- In developing countries, of the 100 women giving birth only 28 are attended by trained health personnel (source: Action Aid)
- Direct causes of maternal deaths include:
- Hemorrhage (blood loss)
- Infections
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Hypertensive disorder (high blood pressure during pregnancy )
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Progress so far |
In the 1990s some progress was made especially in East Asia, however; Sub Saharan Africa and Southern Asia are still furthest behind. In order to meet the goal, skilled health personnel will need to be present for 90% of the births. |
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Canada’s Contribution |
Canada spends about $54 million a year focusing on two major areas in maternal health: sexual/reproductive health and safe motherhood.
Canada has supported a local network in Kenya that provides shelter for sexually abused girls, advocacy against female genital mutilation and education for girls that includes life skills and reproductive health.
Canada also supported an increased youth awareness initiative in Central America that led to more than 600,000 visits to clinics and the distribution of about 2 million condoms. |
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Participating Agencies |
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) World Health Organization (WHO)
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Global Reproductive Health Forum |
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How you can take action |
Research and write a report about a country in need of better services for mothers and girls.
With your class, create some art and hold an awareness exhibit for your school or community. |
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Links |
www.who.int/reproductive_health/MNBH
www.unfpa.org/mothers/index.htm |
