Pregnancy, a time of boundless anticipation and joy, is also a period of profound vulnerability, where the health and well-being of both mother and child hang delicately in the balance. In this pivotal journey, the significance of comprehensive prenatal care cannot be overstated. From routine check-ups to state-of-the-art hospital facilities, every aspect plays a pivotal role in ensuring safe pregnancies and reducing mortality rates for both mother and child. Maternal Mortality remains a key issue affecting women of reproductive age across the African Region. According to World Health Organization’s March 2023 Analytical Fact Sheet, despite the global decline in the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) to 34.2% between 2000 and 2020, MMR is still a disaster in the Africa region. In Kenya, between 2017 and 2020, maternal mortality increased by 55%. With more than two-thirds (69%) of maternal deaths occurring in the African Region, signalling an urgent call for Governments and other Health Actors to focus efforts on SDG Target 3.1 which seeks to prioritize maternal health and reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. Achieving this goal requires concerted efforts at both the local and global levels, with a steadfast commitment to ensuring safe pregnancies and improving access to essential healthcare services for expectant mothers worldwide.
Central to the realization of SDG Target 3.1 is the promotion of safe pregnancy practices and comprehensive prenatal care. The benefits of safe pregnancy extend far beyond the individual mother and child, encompassing broader societal and economic advantages. By prioritizing regular prenatal checks and screenings, healthcare providers can identify and address potential risk factors and complications early on, significantly reducing the likelihood of adverse outcomes for both mother and baby. From monitoring foetal growth to detecting gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders, these routine checks play a crucial role in safeguarding maternal and neonatal health.
Similarly, SDG Target 3.2 aims to end preventable deaths of new-borns and children under five years of age by 2030. This target emphasizes the importance of reducing neonatal and under-five mortality rates through improved access to healthcare services and essential interventions. Research consistently underscores the correlation between comprehensive prenatal care and improved maternal and neonatal health outcomes Investing in good hospital facilities for pregnant mothers and ensuring access to skilled birth attendants can significantly reduce the risk of maternal and neonatal complications during childbirth. Furthermore, the provision of theatre delivery facilities offers a vital contingency plan for emergency situations, reducing the risk of maternal and neonatal complications during childbirth, improving mortality rates for both mother and child.
Investments in maternal healthcare infrastructure not only improve mortality rates for mothers and children but also yield significant societal benefits. By reducing maternal mortality and morbidity, countries can enhance overall population health, promote economic development, workforce productivity, alleviate poverty, and promote gender equality. Additionally, investing in maternal and child health contributes to the intergenerational cycle of health and well-being, laying the foundation for healthier families and communities for generations to come.
In line with its commitment to promoting both maternal and child health, The Savannah Hospital recently organized a free fair for pregnant mothers as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives which saw over XXXX pregnant mums & their partners attend. The fair aimed to raise awareness about the importance of prenatal care, provide access to essential healthcare services, and empower expectant mothers with the knowledge and resources needed to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy. From educational sessions to free health screenings and consultations, the fair served as a testament to The Savannah Hospital’s dedication to improving maternal health outcomes and contributing to the overall achievement of UNSDG 3: GOOD HEALTH AND WELLBEING, and specifically SDG Targets 3.1 and 3.2.
In conclusion, achieving SDG Targets 3.1 and 3.2 requires a collaborative and comprehensive approach that prioritizes safe pregnancy practices, access to quality healthcare services, and investment in maternal and child health infrastructure. By working together with the National & County Governments, and other Health Actors to promote maternal and child health, we can create a healthier, more equitable world for generations to come.
The Writer Dr Wachira Murage, is founder and Director of both The Savannah Hospital and CrotonHealth Foundation.
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