PRIORITIES FOR ACTION - SAFER MOTHERHOOD

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The death and disability that needlessly strike millions of healthy young women each year through lack of healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth has been described by UNICEF as 'the most neglected tragedy of our times'.

World Health Organisation figures show that of the 500,000 maternal deaths that occur annually, more than 99% of these are women from developing countries. Indeed, it has been estimated that a woman living in Africa is 200 times more likely to die as a result of pregnancy-related complications than a woman living in an industrialised country such as Britain.

For every woman and child who dies, 20 more suffer debilitating health problems and disability as a result of complications. One of the most common injuries is fistula – a tear in the birth canal - which can cause pain and incontinence but can be treated with surgery. However, most women are unable to access specialist care and many are cast out by their families because of the unpleasant side effects.

In Tanzania, a Fistula Treatment Clinic has been established by IMPACT to meet the great need. Following treatment, women can return home with their dignity restored. They are also given a new set of clothes and money for their journey. This treatment can literally mean reacceptance into their families and communities.

IMPACT's work to make pregnancy and deliveries safer for women and their babies continues apace in many parts of the developing world where Traditional Birth Attendants (midwives) are being trained to use hygienic and safe delivery methods and recognise complications. If noticed in time, the mother can be transferred to hospital for specialist care which could save her, or her baby’s, life.

In Bhavnagar District, India, local women are now refusing to be cared for by any midwives who do not carry the IMPACT certificate and easy to recognise sterile kit.

In Kenya, a mobile Mother and Baby Clinic provides women living in remote rural villages with much-needed maternity services. Mother and Baby care also forms an important part of the work of comprehensive community health projects in Bangladesh, Nepal and India.

In many countries, IMPACT is empowering women to take control of their own health and that of their children, for example by establishing women's groups through which mothers are learning about antenatal and post-natal care, as well as hygiene, healthy nutrition and how to spot the signs of ill-health and disability in their family members.

The Individual IMPACT

52-year old Bihusi has been pregnant four times but has no children. Following three miscarriages, in 1976 Bihusi finally gave birth after two days in labour. Her relatives had to take her 25 miles to the nearest hospital. Tragically, her child did not survive beyond three months.

The complicated labour also left Bihusi with a fistula (tear in the birth canal) which caused her pain, incontinence and embarrassment. Unable to afford help, she lived with this problem for almost 30 years until she heard of the Fistula Clinic IMPACT supports in Arusha, Tanzania. Following treatment, Bihusi is happy and healthy once again.

£87 will train and equip a Traditional Birth Attendant

£110 would treat another woman damaged in childbirth like Bihusi