Reducing Maternal and Neonatal Deaths
One of MBF’s key missions is to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths.
In the countries we serve, the rate of preventable deaths among pregnant women and their babies is among the highest in the world. By providing pre-natal services, C-sections, fistula repairs, and post-natal services for Moms, MBF donor partners are changing the odds. Safe Mother programs and clinics for Moms who cannot afford care have lowered the death rate by over 80% from the regional average in many of our partner facilities.
300,000 women die each year in developing countries as a result of complications of pregnancy and childbirth.
6.3 million infants in lower-middle income countries are stillborn or die in the neonatal period of the first 4 weeks
of life.
Andrema lives in Haiti. She was living with her Aunt when she got pregnant. When it became clear she would need a C-section, the Aunt stopped helping her. Alone, without funds, Andrema got the C-section she needed for a safe delivery at the Hopital Ste-Croix in Leogane.
Stella lives in Malawi. She delivered her last child safely at Embangweni Mission Hospital. She said “we would prefer not to deliver at home not knowing how we are faring with the unborn baby. We are very thankful to the MBF because now every woman would prefer to deliver at the hospital. We just prepare for other things as we are waiting for the baby”.
Monanji walked to Nkhoma Mission Hospital in Malawi when it was time for her delivery. Both of her twins had low birth weights so they stayed in the hospital for about a month until they have gained enough weight to go home. Monanji and her husband are very thankful for a place for their twins to develop to a healthy weight.
Obstetric Fistulas – Devastating, Preventable, Treatable
An obstetric fistula is an abnormal opening between the vagina and the bladder or the vagina and the rectum. They often occur because of strenuous, long labor. Other local childbirth practices can also contribute to fistula development.
Women who suffer from these injuries are often isolated and can suffer serious physical and emotional harm. MBF partner hospitals provide surgical fistula repair. Through generous gifts, some of these repairs can be offered for free to the women who need them. Most of the repairs are successful and the Mom can resume a normal life once she goes home.
Fistula repair patients from DR Congo said “We are so thankful to be able to go back among other people.”
