|
|
|
| You
are in MDGs
in Sri Lanka >Goal 5: Improve
Maternal Health |
| MDGs
in Sri Lanka |
| Goal
5: Improve Maternal Health |
 |
|
|
“I will take steps to provide all expectant mothers who cannot afford a nutritional meal, a basket of nutritional food items, as required by them, free of charge.”
“A programme will be launched to provide maternity clinics and medical advice and related services, in every village.” Mahinda Chintana
Every year, more than half a million women die during pregnancy and childbirth. In the developing world, the average risk of maternal death in 2000 is 450 per 100,000 live births (UN MDG Report 2005). Skilled attendance at birth can prevent maternal deaths. |
|
| For Sri Lanka it means: |
| • |
In 2001, for every 100,000 live births, 47 women died during pregnancy or childbirth |
| • |
97% of babies are delivered with the assistance of health professionals |
| • |
More than 70% of maternal deaths are caused by direct obstetric causes |
|
|
Target 6: Reduce by three quarters between 1990 and 2015 the maternal mortality rate.
Sri Lanka is on track for achieving Target 6 with a long-established and successful maternal health care programme. The maternal mortality rate (MMR) in Sri Lanka has declined from 42 per 100,000 live births in 1992 to 27 per 100,000 live births in 2002 and is the lowest in South Asia. |
|
|
(Data from Dept. of Census and Statistics Report – MDGs in Sri Lanka- A Statistical Review 2006)
How do we measure progress towards Target 6? Through the following indicators: |
|
The Key Indicators are:
16. Maternal mortality ratio per 1000 live births
17. Proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel |
|
Current Status |
 |
|
The system of trained midwives assisting in home deliveries, the increased number of hospital deliveries and access to emergency obstetric care has contributed to Sri Lanka’s notable achievement in reducing maternal mortality. In 2000, 96% of births were attended by skilled health personnel, while a significantly lower rate of 84% was recorded in the estate sector. Between 1980 and 2003, Sri Lanka has recorded a consistent upward trend in the percentage of babies born in hospitals, which has increased from 75.6% to 91.9%. |
|
|
Availability of health professionals for maternal services has also improved from 23 midwives per 100,000 people in 1980 to 38 per 100,000 in 2000, and 14 medical officers per 100,000 in 1980 to 41 per 100,000 in 2000. The number of qualified obstetricians has also increased from 77 in 1995 to 99 in 2001. It has been noted that the proportion of women attended by a health professional during childbirth increases with their level of education ( ‘MDGs in Sri Lanka – A Statistical Review: 2006’ Dept.of Census and Statistics).
However, post-natal care is weak with 77% of mothers visited at home, compared to 98.4% who had received ante-natal care. In the cleared areas, only 45.7% of mothers had received a home visit by a midwife. The poorly serviced areas of the North and East and the estate areas show a MMR above the national ratio.
(Source: MDG Country Report 2005, Sri Lanka) |
|
Government Strategies and Progress
The consistent decline in Sri Lanka’s MMR has been attributed to two main reasons:
1. A wide network of maternal health services and childcare supported by a cadre of trained Public Health Midwives, established since the 1930’s.
2. Free access to health and family planning services since the 1960’s.
Other factors, external to the health sector, have contributed to reducing MMR in Sri Lanka. The introduction of free education in early 1940s has had a sustained, beneficial effect on the national health, and especially on maternal and child health. In addition, state food subsidies to underprivileged groups have improved maternal nutrition, which in turn has significantly helped to reduce MMR. |
|
Support
District budgets linked to MDG
targets
NCED
Clusters
District
Map |
|
Challenges
While Sri Lanka is on track in achieving Goal 5, several areas still require attention. The quality of family planning services must improve in order to prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe, illegal abortions. Reproductive health education and services should target adolescents and youth.
The proportion of mothers receiving post-natal care should increase as well as access to emergency care. Programmes should be in place to improve maternal nutrition and reduce anemia amongst pregnant women. Services must be improved in conflict areas and the estate sector. |
| Page
Topˆ |
|
