In Nepal and Bangladesh over 80 percent of women give birth at home, usually only with the support of a family member or local birthing attendant. Lack of access to health services, advice and support during pregnancy and labour contribute to the high levels of maternal and neonatal deaths and ill health in these countries. In Nepal, Bangladesh, India and Malawi, research has been investigating the role of women’s groups in improving maternal and newborn health. Led by a local woman facilitator, women’s groups meet monthly to discuss the causes and underlying problems leading to maternal and newborn death, develop practical strategies together with community leaders and men, and implement these strategies. These simple, but important strategies have been proven to make a huge difference to women and their communities during pregnancy, childbirth and in the antenatal period and have had a significant impact in reducing newborn mortality. In Nepal and India research findings suggest that neonatal mortality was reduced by 30 and 42 percent respectively.
Many thanks to Rebecca Wolfe from the Towards 4+5 Research Programme Consortium, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK, for writing the content for this Health Reporter.
Women's Groups Improve Maternal and Newborn Health
February 02, 2010
In Nepal and Bangladesh over 80 percent of women give birth at home, usually only with the support of a family member or local birthing attendant. Lack of access to health services, advice and support during pregnancy and labour contribute to the high levels of maternal and neonatal deaths and ill health in these countries. In Nepal, Bangladesh, India and Malawi, research has been investigating the role of women’s groups in improving maternal and newborn health. Led by a local woman facilitator, women’s groups meet monthly to discuss the causes and underlying problems leading to maternal and newborn death, develop practical strategies together with community leaders and men, and implement these strategies. These simple, but important strategies have been proven to make a huge difference to women and their communities during pregnancy, childbirth and in the antenatal period and have had a significant impact in reducing newborn mortality. In Nepal and India research findings suggest that neonatal mortality was reduced by 30 and 42 percent respectively.
Many thanks to Rebecca Wolfe from the Towards 4+5 Research Programme Consortium, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK, for writing the content for this Health Reporter.
(via: WUNRN)
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