The maternal mortality ratio is unacceptably high in Africa. Forty per cent of all pregnancy-related deaths worldwide occur in Africa. On average, over 7 women die per 1,000 live births. About 22,000 African women die each year from unsafe abortion, reflecting a high unmet need for contraception. Contraceptive use among women in union varies from 50 per cent in the southern sub-region to less than 10 per cent in middle and western Africa" UNFPA
Early and unwanted childbearing, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and pregnancy-related illnesses and deaths account for a significant proportion of the burden of illness experienced by women in Africa. Gender-based violence is an influential factor negatively impacting on the sexual and reproductive health of one in every three women. Many are unable to control decisions to have sex or to negotiate safer sexual practices, placing them at great risk of disease and health complications.
According to UNAIDS, there is an estimated of 22.2 million people living with HIV in Sub-Saharan African in 2009, which represents 68% of the global HIV burden. Women are at higher risk than men to be infected by HIV, their vulnerability remains particulary high in the Sub-Saharan Africa and 76% of all HIV women in the world live in this region.
In almost all countries in the Sub-Saharan Africa region, the majority of people living with HIV are women, especially girls and women aged between 15-24. Not only are women more likely to become infected, they are more severely affected. Their income is likely to fall if an adult man loses his job and dies. Since formal support to women are very limited, they may have to give up some income-genrating activities or sacrifice school to take care of the sick relatives.
For more information on HIV/AIDS and Reproductive health, please visit the following websites:
Source: UNFPA
In countries where women have adequate access to reproductive health services -- such as family planning, skilled attendance at birth and emergency obstetric and neonatal care -- maternal and newborn deaths are rare.
Source: Vanguard
When news spread that Oyinlola Diana Rotimi, a 400 level student at the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, allegedly attempted to flush her child down the toilet, there were criticisms and counter-criticisms.
Source: Tanzania Daily News (Dar es Salaam)
THE plan to become a mother is often a positively fulfilling experience. However, many women suffer and even die as a result of motherhood.
Sometimes it does seem there’s a war over women’s bodies, and nowhere does this seem more dangerous than in the large number of regions where abortion is illegal, unsafe and life-threatening.
Source: New Times
Chantal* begun her menstruation periods when she was in primary school. She remembers refusing to go to school for about five days.
Source: Daily Trust
Lagos — Nigerian pregnant women have been advised to inculcate the habit of taking Omega 3 DHA during pregnancy so as to develop their baby's vital sensory organs right from the womb.
Source: Voice of America (Washington, DC)
A combination of strategies aimed at improving the quality of care for mothers in rural Malawi has dramatically reduced newborn mortality. Experts say it could be a model for similar programs in other countries with poor pre- and post-natal care.
Source: Tanzania Daily News
DR Sunday Alfred Dominico, a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, is a Lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Research and Publications Coordinator at the School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Dodoma (UDOM). Recently, Dr Dominico, who is a Consultant for World Lung Foundation on maternal health (External Communication), granted this exclusive interview to Our Staff Writer,
Source: Women Deliver
In 1994 at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), governments worldwide recognized that ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health and protecting reproductive rights are essential strategies for improving the lives of all people.
Source: Daily trust
As part of its efforts at sensitizing Nigerians on issues of maternal and child health, the National Council of Women's Societies in Nigeria (NCWS) has rolled out plans to take campaigns to the 774 local governments in the country.
Source: DW
The female condom has been making its way across developing countries, particularly those in the African continent. While many see this as a woman's commodity, one man in Mozambique is actively campaigning for it too.