Maternal health and human rights
Ratsma, Y.E.; Malongo, J.
Malawi Medical Journal the Journal of Medical Association of Malawi 21(2): 51-53
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 1995-7262 PMID: 20345003 DOI: 10.4314/mmj.v21i2.44559Document Number: 627066
In Malawi the maternal mortality ratio is extremely high. Since almost all maternal deaths are avoidable, maternal mortality is also an issue of human rights. This paper examines the root causes of high maternal mortality in Malawi and applies a human rights-based approach to the reduction of maternal mortality. It recommends roles for the various duty-bearers. It describes indicators to monitor and evaluate the strategy and suggests how transparency and accountability should be ensured. In conclusion, full and effective implementation of the strategy is indispensable for achieving the fifth Millennium Development Goal that calls for the reduction of maternal mortality.