Reproductive health and safe motherhood
The maternal mortality rate (MMR) in Somalia, among the highest in the world, dismally reflects how years of conflict have resulted in virtually all basic facilities – such as referral hospitals, maternal and child health (MCH) facilities and services – being damaged or totally destroyed. Two workshops were held in 2002 to review this chronic situation and to provide recommendations for follow-up. Improvements focusing on safe motherhood included action to support home deliveries and enhance obstetric care through health facilities. Priority was given to developing curricula for midwives, and subsequent training was carried out with the World Health Organization (WHO). Clean delivery kits include items to help ensure sanitary and safe conditions for a woman in labour and those assisting with the birth. The kits frequently contain a plastic sheet, soap, a two-sided clean razor blade, cord ties, and even pictorial instructions on how to deliver a child. Following the successful design and pre-testing of the clean delivery kits thousands have been distributed to 99 maternal and child health facilities that offer antenatal care throughout Somalia. The clean delivery kits are sold at subsidized prices and the revenue generated from the kits is helping health centres support staff and rehabilitate facilities.
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