Drug in Villages Could Prevent Maternal Deaths

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By Tayo Adelaja

Published: September 30, 2009

Drug in Villages Could Prevent Maternal Deaths

By Tayo Adelaja

Community-based access to drugs for hemorrhages and infection could significantly prevent maternal deaths in Africa, a new paper by researchers at University College London has found. The researchers developed a mathematical model to estimate the impact of providing misoprostol drugs, which are used to induce labour and treat miscarriages, and antibiotics to community health workers. They argue this community-based strategy is crucial for women who have no access to skilled health attendants or well-equipped facilities. This approach would also be complemented by interventions to strengthen health systems. More than half a million women die every year from complications during pregnancy or childbirth. Ninety per cent of these deaths are in Africa and Asia, according to the United Nations Population Fund.

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