Maternal health is a critical issue that affects the wellbeing of women and their families. It is essential that society prioritizes maternal health, as it affects not just mothers but also their children and future generations. In this article, we will explore why maternal health is essential, the challenges faced by women globally, and steps that can be taken to address these challenges.
The Importance of Maternal Health
Maternal health is a cornerstone of a healthy society. The health of mothers has a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of their children, families, and communities. When mothers are healthy, they are better able to care for themselves, their families, and contribute to the overall economic and social development of their communities.
On the other hand, when mothers suffer from poor health or even die during childbirth, it has severe consequences. Children are more likely to die before the age of five, and families are more vulnerable to poverty and hardship. Maternal mortality rates indicate the overall health of a nation, and countries with high rates are often struggling with healthcare delivery, poverty, and social inequality.
Challenges Faced by Women Globally
Despite the importance of maternal health, women across the world face significant challenges in accessing quality healthcare services. These challenges are particularly pronounced in low-income countries, where women often lack access to basic healthcare services, including pre and post-natal care.
One of the most significant challenges is the lack of skilled birth attendants. Women who give birth without the assistance of a skilled birth attendant are at increased risk of complications or even death during childbirth. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 810 women die every day from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth, with 94% of these deaths occurring in low and lower-middle-income countries.
Another significant challenge is lack of access to contraception. Many women lack access to family planning services, leading to unintended pregnancies that can put their lives at risk. Access to family planning can not only save the lives of women and children, but it can also advance gender equality and help countries achieve economic and social development goals.
Steps to Address Maternal Health Challenges
The challenges faced by women globally when it comes to maternal health may seem daunting, but there are many steps that can be taken to address them. These include:
1. Investing in Healthcare Infrastructure
In low-income countries, the lack of healthcare infrastructure is a major challenge facing maternal health. Governments must invest in healthcare infrastructure, including hospitals and clinics, to ensure that women have access to basic healthcare services such as pre and post-natal care.
2. Increasing Access to Skilled Birth Attendants
Access to skilled birth attendants is critical for ensuring safe deliveries and reducing maternal mortality rates. Governments must invest in training and deploying skilled birth attendants to remote and underserved areas, where women often lack access to professional care.
3. Promoting Family Planning Services
Access to contraception is an essential component of maternal health. Governments must work to increase access to family planning services, including education about contraceptive methods and the availability of free or subsidized contraception.
4. Advocating for Women’s Health Rights
Governments must ensure that women’s health rights are upheld, and they have access to quality healthcare without discrimination or stigmatization. This may involve changes in policy and promoting the empowerment of women to advocate for their health rights.
Conclusion
Maternal health is a crucial issue that affects the wellbeing of women, children, families, and communities. The challenges facing women globally may seem daunting, but we can make a significant impact by investing in healthcare infrastructure, increasing access to skilled birth attendants, promoting family planning services, and advocating for women’s health rights. The choice to invest in maternal health is not just a matter of compassion, but it is also vital for the health and wellbeing of future generations. By prioritizing maternal health, we can create a brighter and healthier future for all.