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 such as obstetric fistula and even death. The disability or loss of a mother affects not just her family but the community at large.
In partnership with African Medical Research and Education Foundation (AMREF), Direct Relief has started a pilot program in Uganda to fight maternal mortality by equipping health providers to offer EMOC services.
Princess Diana Health Center is one of several health facilities in Uganda’s large district of Soroti, which has a population of about 1.6 million. Princess Diana, a primary health center for residents of Soroti town, is the EMOC center for the district and serves as a referral center for surrounding areas. High-risk patients are sent to Princess Diana in advance of delivery so they can receive surgical intervention immediately if an emergency arises during labor. Nearby, Soroti District Hospital handles all surgical referrals, from road accidents to C-sections. Several hundred EMOC interventions are performed there each month, but women must travel long distances and wait for long periods before surgery. Delayed EMOC is often fatal for unborn babies and their mothers.
EMOC is part of a care continuum. The first step is adequate prenatal care that supports mother and her baby, then ensuring that when it’s time to deliver, a midwife is present at minimum. Proper training enables a midwife to provide interventions when complications arise, or to know when to refer a woman on to an EMOC facility.
As part of the pilot program, AMREF is improving training and capacity at all facilities in Soroti district to ensure that there are adequate local maternity services. Direct Relief supports AMREF by supplying materials, pharmaceuticals, and equipment; A large consignment of supplies and equipment—including an anesthetic machine, oxygen concentrators, and an ultrasound machine—will enable the trained staff at Princess Diana to inaugurate a dedicated EMOC service in the new but unequipped health center. Direct Relief has also donated nine motorcycles and several computers to AMREF in Soroti to assist in service delivery and monitoring and evaluation of the project.