Maternal health programs in Africa and Latin America improve the lives of women in need

Topics: Africa, Americas
November 19, 2012

Maternal health programs in Africa and Latin America improve the lives of women in need

Did you know that each day, approximately 800 women die from complications related to childbirth? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99 per cent of all maternal deaths occur in developing countries and are higher for women who reside in rural, poorer communities.

While these figures are staggering, what is even more astonishing is how preventable these deaths really are. In 2000, the international community collectively took a stand. As one of the eight aims established by the United Nations in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), reforming maternal health has become an issue of global importance.

The Canadian Red Cross helps women in need
More than half of maternal deaths happen in the sub-Saharan region of Africa, where economic inequities can limit the access that women have to vital healthcare services, according to the WHO.

As part of the world's leading humanitarian network, the Canadian Red Cross seeks to reduce preventable deaths and improve the lives of women and children in need with maternal and child health programs.

Committed to the success of the MDGs, the services supported by the Canadian Red Cross focus on developing community-based neonatal and maternal healthcare, prevention and family education activities and enhancing nutrition. In countries such as Mali, Kenya, Liberia, Honduras and Nicaragua, the Canadian Red Cross' presence ensures that women in weakened communities have the opportunity to seek out life-saving aid.

Maternal health programs in Africa and Latin America
The Canadian Red Cross strives to boost the well-being of mothers, newborns and children through Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) initiatives in African and Latin American countries where the availability of healthcare in remote and vulnerable communities is limited.

In partnership with National Societies like the Kenyan Red Cross Society, the Canadian Red Cross has supported the training of community health workers who are able to shape attitudes in the region regarding health practices. By engaging men in pre- and post-natal care services for women, as well as by promoting nutrition and breast-feeding, innovative MNCH programs have made a significant difference in Kenya, as well as Mali and Liberia.

In Latin America, maternal mortality rates are better but huge disparities still exist within the countries, with indigenous, poor and rural communities still facing limited access to proper health care.  In Honduras and Nicaragua the Canadian Red Cross has implemented innovated programing to help engage men in the health of women and their families and works alongside local government authorities to link marginalized communities to proper health care facilities and increase the coverage of health care services provided.

How you can help
The need that mothers in developing countries have for adequate healthcare services and support is tremendous. Only with the assistance of organizations like the Canadian Red Cross can these women gain access to the essential resources required to have a chance at a long and healthy life, and ensure that they can watch their children grow up in a safe and secure environment.

With your support, the Canadian Red Cross can continue to offer the most flexible and dynamic programs to women in need around the world. To show your support, please donate online or at your local Canadian Red Cross office today. 

Section Widgets