Million Mums - Our Cause

Did you know? Every minute of every day, somewhere in the world, a woman dies due to pregnancy and birth related complications Pregnancy and childbirth are the number one causes of death of women of childbearing age in the world today. More than half a million women each year die leaving an estimated 2 million children motherless At least 80% of these deaths are preventable Maternal mortality rates have not improved for 20 years; this is a hidden scandal MDG5, to cut deaths in pregnancy by 75%, is lagging behind all other goals for international development Why are so many women dying? Due to combination of factors….. Lack of health workers > Half of the world’s women give birth at home alone or with only a friend or relative to help. Lack of equipment and supplies > Even when a woman does get to a health centre, there may be no trained staff , no drugs and no blood bank or operating theatre for a caesarean section. Transport > It can take all day or night for a woman to walk to the health centre, and more time for her to get to a referral hospital for emergency care. These delays cost many lives. Money > A lack of money means that many women can’t buy simple things like latex gloves and cotton wool needed for their care, let alone pay the fees often charged. Control > Women may not have the power to make basic choices – like going to the hospital – and have to wait for their husband or other relative to decide for them. Information > Women may not have the knowledge or information to make the choices that could save their lives What is the impact? Mothers play a vital role in the economic health of their families and communities > Women are the sole earners for more than 25% of all households. Their income is more likely than men’s to go on food, education, medicines and family needs. Each year an estimated U.S. $15.5 billion in potential productivity is lost when mothers and newborns die. When problems arise in childbirth families often end up spending scarce money on medical interventions that came too late and that they could not afford. Communities then must take on the burden of caring for the bereaved and impoverished family and government is forced to manage the widespread effects of this cycle of poverty. When a woman dies in childbirth, her baby and any other children’s survival is threatened. > Babies of mothers who do not survive the delivery are up to ten times more likely to die than children who have not lost their mothers. Every year an additional 2 million children worldwide are maternal orphans. A mother dying has long-term implications for a child’s education, care and health. > When a mother dies, younger children’s schooling is delayed and older children are likely to leave school to support their family. Children without a mother are less likely to be immunized, and are more likely to suffer from malnutrition and stunted growth. The implications for girls tend to be even greater, leading to a continued cycle of poverty and poor health The White Ribbon Alliance The White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood is an international coalition of individuals and organisations working to increase public awareness and build political support to make pregnancy and childbirth safe for all women and newborns around the world. With members in 148 countries, WRA advocates for changes to ensure every woman's access to quality health care before, during and after childbirth. WRA works to sustain life and hope for all women. For more information, please go to www.whiteribbonalliance.org

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