Reduce the
infant mortality
MMS stands in solidarity with women in Africa who still too often die giving birth. Indeed, the problem remains alarming: 830 women die every day worldwide from complications related to pregnancy or childbirth (UNDP*). These are often complications that can be avoided with professional medical care. MMS works on this every day with its partner in Kivu, on Idjwi Island!
Today, worldwide, more than 300,000 women die each year during pregnancy or childbirth, 2.6 million are stillborn, and 2.7 million newborns die within the first 28 days of life. Improving care can prevent many of these deaths.
Difficulties accessing health centers due to remote areas have dramatic consequences for mothers, making access to healthcare services significantly more difficult. Many end up giving birth alone at home, unaware of the potential complications. In Africa, living conditions and a lack of information create the most significant health challenges. Many mothers are unaware of the symptoms of illnesses, and by the time they realize they have a problem, it is often too late. The shortage of qualified midwives is the main challenge to overcome!
Being born into a good family is a human right. It should be neither a privilege nor a luxury.
Context of infant mortality
Currently, only 2% of development aid is allocated to maternal health.
Let's not forget, midwives save lives! One trained midwife helps 500 mothers and babies each year. Furthermore, a midwife can provide 87% of the essential care that women and newborns need, if she is trained and regulated according to international standards.
Midwives are present during 5 key stages of maternal care. They provide physical , psychological and social support to the mother and offer various tips to support families during this time in their lives.
Their role begins as soon as the family considers a pregnancy. They conduct consultations to help ensure a healthy pregnancy, during which immunity and nutritional assessments are carried out.
They can screen for malaria or HIV, which are extremely widespread infectious diseases in Africa. During pregnancy, midwives diagnose and provide medical follow-up as part of prenatal consultations (performing blood tests and monitoring, prescribing medication and ultrasounds, etc.).