PRELIMINARY STUDIES: Inventory and observations at Juaben Teaching Health Center (JTHC) revealed an inability to treat obstetric complications. Women with complications needed to be referred to other institutions, resulting in delays. INTERVENTIONS: During 1993 and 1994, an operating theater and blood bank were established and equipped, the maternity refurbished, and a revolving drug fund created. A physician was posted and trained in obstetrics, and midwives were trained in life-saving skills. A running water supply was established. Subsequent community interventions focused on improving access and reducing the delay in seeking care. RESULTS: The number of women with complications coming for care increased almost three-fold, from 26 in 1993 to 73 in 1995 and the proportion of these who were referred for treatment dropped from 42 to 14%. Surgical obstetric procedures performed at JTHC increased from 23 in 1993 to 90 in 1995. Midwives performed 32% of manual removals, 58% of vacuum extractions and 98% of episiotomy repairs. No deaths occurred among the women treated. COSTS: The cost of improvements was approximately US $30,000, mostly for equipment and supplies. Forty percent came from project funds, 36% from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), 15% from government and 9% from community members. The salary of the new physician cost an additional $4700 annually. CONCLUSIONS: Modest improvements can increase the provision and utilization of emergency obstetric care. Collaboration with NGOs, government and the community can be beneficial.
PRELIMINARY STUDIES: Inventory and observations at Juaben Teaching Health Center (JTHC) revealed an inability to treat obstetric complications. Women with complications needed to be referred to other institutions, resulting in delays. INTERVENTIONS: During 1993 and 1994, an operating theater and blood bank were established and equipped, the maternity refurbished, and a revolving drug fund created. A physician was posted and trained in obstetrics, and midwives were trained in life-saving skills. A running water supply was established. Subsequent community interventions focused on improving access and reducing the delay in seeking care. RESULTS: The number of women with complications coming for care increased almost three-fold, from 26 in 1993 to 73 in 1995 and the proportion of these who were referred for treatment dropped from 42 to 14%. Surgical obstetric procedures performed at JTHC increased from 23 in 1993 to 90 in 1995. Midwives performed 32% of manual removals, 58% of vacuum extractions and 98% of episiotomy repairs. No deaths occurred among the women treated. COSTS: The cost of improvements was approximately US $30,000, mostly for equipment and supplies. Forty percent came from project funds, 36% from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), 15% from government and 9% from community members. The salary of the new physician cost an additional $4700 annually. CONCLUSIONS: Modest improvements can increase the provision and utilization of emergency obstetric care. Collaboration with NGOs, government and the community can be beneficial.
Authors: Abdu A Adamu; Olalekan A Uthman; Elvis O Wambiya; Muktar A Gadanya; Charles S Wiysonge Journal: Hum Vaccin Immunother Date: 2019-04-22 Impact factor: 3.452
Authors: Zohra S Lassi; Nabiha B Musavi; Blerta Maliqi; Nadia Mansoor; Andres de Francisco; Kadidiatou Toure; Zulfiqar A Bhutta Journal: Hum Resour Health Date: 2016-03-12