TITLE:
Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Will Not Reduce in Low Resource Countries without the Anaesthetists’ Involvement
AUTHORS:
Elizabeth Ogboli-Nwasor
KEYWORDS:
Obstetric Anaesthesia; Maternal Mortality; Low Resource
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.4 No.5,
March
20,
2014
ABSTRACT: Background: Maternal and foetal mortality is
unacceptably high in most resource-limited countriesand the practice of obstetric
anaesthesia has an important influence on outcome for both mother and baby. The
much needed close co-operation and collaboration between obstetricians and
obstetric anaesthetist providers is crucial for the safety and comfort of
parturients, particularly in low-resource environments. The current global
maternal mortality is approximately 400 per 100,000 deliveries, with a range of
7 - 740 deaths per 100,000, demonstrating the inequality between the rich and
poor countries. Many of the deaths could have been prevented by better
essential obstetrics services including safe anaesthesia and surgery, provided
such services are made available ina
timely manner. Conclusion: Maternal mortality in low resource countries has its
basis complexsocial, economic
and political factors, underpinned by a lack of resources. Many of these
factors are difficult and slow to resolve and are not specific to maternal
health. Comprehensive essentialobstetric
care services at the district hospital level (first referral level) should
include all the aboveplus safe
surgery, safe anaesthesia, and blood transfusion. Government, donor agencies
and all stakeholders must recognize the crucial role of anaesthesia in
providing emergency obstetric care in hospitals. Advocacy by all concerned will
help direct the scarce resources to the appropriate areas of need which
includes provision of adequate facilities and manpower for safe anaesthesia.