Thursday, 15th May 2014
Maternal and infant mortality are both slowly falling in Somaliland, according to figures from the Somaliland Nursing and Midwifery Association (SLNMA).
The organisation says the maternal and infant mortality rate has declined from 1,600 to 1,440 deaths per 100,000 live births since 2004, the Somaliland Sun reports.
Greater numbers of professional midwives in hospitals and better medical facilities have contributed to the improvement, according to SLNMA executive director Fowzia Mohamed Ismail.
But Radio Ergo also said the real decline in mortality was generally limited to urban areas where facilities are closer and more advanced. In rural areas, death rates have stayed alarmingly high.
A lack of attendants such as midwives in more sparsely populated areas is believed to be one of the main causes of this disparity, but Ms Ismail said SLNMA plans to train more midwives to operate in rural regions.
However, cultural barriers remain in place since many expectant mothers in these settlements tend to prefer giving birth at home.
Source: The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO)
Great news. It is all thanks to our queen of a woman Edo Edna Adan and the dedication of her staff. The support and intelligence and hardwork of Minister Xaglatosiye has also contributed to this succes. Long it may continue.