In about 15 percent of deliveries, an unpredictable complication occurs. That’s when emergency obstetric care (EMOC), such as a cesarean section, becomes necessary. But for women in developing countries, access to EMOC is very limited. Without access to EMOC services, a woman who experiences complications during delivery suffers debilitating injuries, inclucing obstetric fistula and even death. The disability or loss of a mother affects not just her family but the community at large.
Direct Relief is working to prevent injury and death in mothers during delivery. In partnership with African Medical Research and Education Foundation (AMREF), Direct Relief has equipped Princess Diana Health Center in Uganda with the tools and materials it needs to provide emergency obstetric care.
Princess Diana Health Center is one of several health facilities in Uganda’s large district of Soroti, which has a population of about 3 million. High-risk patients are sent to Princess Diana in advance of delivery so they can receive surgical intervention immediately if the need arises during labor. This takes the pressure off of Soroti District Hospital, which handles all other surgical referrals.
Direct Relief has provided Princess Diana Health Center with needed supplies and equipment, including an anesthetic machine, two oxygen concentrators, and an ultrasound machine so the facility can provide EMOC services.