| Summary |
Reduction of mortality and morbidity of both the mother and the newborn have been identified
as priority areas needing urgent attention by the Department of Health. The maternal mortality
ratio for South Africa was estimated in the South African Demographic and Health Survey of
1998 to be 150/100 000 births. This rate is however, thought to be rising, as the estimate from
the latest Saving Mothers Report places the estimate at 175-200/100 000 births. The extent of
morbidity is not known but it is estimated that for every woman that dies of a pregnancy related
complication, 20 more suffer from morbidity such as vesico-vaginal fistulae which may be
severe and lead to long term disabilities. |
| More Details |
According to the Saving Mothers report, since 1999 non-pregnancy related infections have
become the main cause of maternal mortality in South Africa (33.7%),2 with AIDS being the
main cause. Hypertensive complications of pregnancy are the second commonest (18.1%)
followed by obstetric haemorrhage (13.8%). Poor transport and lack of intensive care services
were the major administrative problems reported. Medical personnel oriented problems
included poor initial assessment and diagnosis of cases especially at secondary level of care,
failure to follow standard protocols at primary and secondary levels and poor monitoring of
patients at all levels of care.
To this end, the Maternal, Child, Womens Health and Nutrition (MCWHN) directorate, with
financial assistance from Centers for Disease Control (CDC) contracted Health Systems Trust
(HST) and South African Nurses in Business (SANIB) to conduct a community-based
situational analysis on maternal and neonatal follow-up care. The situation analysis was to be
conducted throughout the country and the findings of this study are to be used to target
interventions aimed at improving maternal and infant mortality rates, with a particular focus of
enhancing utilisation of services. |
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| Keywords |
This Item is associated with the Following
Keywords: Research, Maternal, Child and Women's Health. |
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