Safe motherhood: a challenge to midwifery practice
Kwast, B.E.
World Health Forum 12(1): 1-6; Discussion 7-24
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0251-2432 PMID: 1859591 Document Number: 315224
Most women who die in pregnancy and childbirth are poor and live in remote rural areas. In developing countries and Africa in particular, the problem is especially severe and requires vigorous action. The principal way of achieving maternal health and safe motherhood is to expand the specific functions and/or categories of midwifery personnel and to achieve an integrated approach to maternity care at all levels of the health care system. In many African countries where some 80% of the population lives in rural areas, there are insufficient midwives for adequate village services or for constructive supervision of traditional birth attendants, where they exist. Many rural maternity centres do not have a midwife or are closed due to lack of personnel and equipment. Thus there is a need for primary health care, dispensary and health centres and essential obstetric functions. Discussions should also be held with communities so that problems can be tackled locally. Success in these areas would ensure that the prospect of childbirth for millions of women would be one of joy, rather than misery.