SE Asia still lacks in maternal care
Experts tell regional meeting
Though the South East Asian region made remarkable progress in cutting maternal deaths, there is a huge lack in quality care for mothers in pre- and post-delivery periods, opined international experts on maternal and newborn care yesterday.
The opinion came at a three-day, “Asia Regional Meeting on Interventions for Impact in Essential Obstetric and Newborn Care”, in the capital's Ruposhi Bangla Hotel.
USAID's Maternal and Child Health Integrated Program, with Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's support, is organising the conference, themed “Make every mother and baby count”.
The experts, on the first day, focused their discussions on early detection, prevention and management of post-delivery bleeding, a leading cause of maternal deaths in the region, says a press release.
They shared their country experiences and best practices and suggested steps to reach a well-recognised drug, which artificially helps the uterus contract, to all pregnant mothers at community level to prevent heavy bleeding after birth.
Presenting the global progress in reducing maternal mortality, World Health Organisation Health System Development Director Dr Monir Islam said developing countries are not rich enough to invest in “cheap” ideas.
Dr Sadia Fayeq Ayoubi of Afghanistan's Ministry of Public Health said they were able to drastically reduce maternal deaths by strengthening community based care and spreading basic and essential care packages.
USAID's EngenderHealth Country Director Dr AJ Faisel said the Bangladesh government also took up strategies to reach services at community levels but the service providers still find it a challenge to reach all mothers.
Nepal's Ministry of Health and Population Logistics Management Division Director Dr Naresh Pratap KC said heavy bleeding after delivery is also a leading cause of maternal deaths in Nepal.
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