Maternal Mortality Diagnosis and Solution: Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Health Innovation Intervenes with Emergency Care System for sub-Saharan Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) records the highest maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in the world. According to the latest (2010-2020) data on maternal mortality rates, jointly published by the World Bank, WHO, UNICEF, UNPF, and UNPD, sub-Saharan Africa alone contributes a staggering 70% of the world’s maternal mortality rate. Beyond statistically pushing the world average from 53 to 223, the region’s alarming 545 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births pose a severe threat to the Sustainable Development Goal Target 3.1, which aims to reduce maternal mortality to fewer than 70 by 2030.
The 3-Delay Model Diagnosis
Diagnosing the problem, the center first summarized the region’s high maternal mortality rates in a 3-delay model:
- The delay in deciding to seek care.
- The delay in reaching care.
- The delay in receiving care.
The first phase is the most critical not only because the two other phases depend on it but also because it combines their causes—inaccessible health facilities and poor-quality healthcare—with other causes such as socio-economic and cultural factors. Low coverage, poor quality, and inequities in the provision of emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC) remain a challenge in many SSA countries.
Innovation and Solutions: The Text4Life Mobile App
With only five years remaining, the World Bank ACE Impact project provides a glimmer of hope. The Bank’s Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Health Innovation (CERHI) is diligently working to ensure that the 2030 target remains achievable, leveraging the synergy of innovation, commitment, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Leading this timely intervention, the center has developed the Text4Life Mobile App, an innovative telemedicine platform, to bridge the gap between rural communities and emergency care providers, addressing maternal health emergencies.
The Text4Life App enables pregnant women, their families, or caregivers to call a toll-free number, connected to a network of trained community health workers and ambulance services, and receive prompt emergency responses and timely transportation to healthcare facilities. “While infrastructure development is vital, mobile technology offers an immediate solution to connect rural populations with essential health services,” Professor Okonofua, CERHI Director, proposes.
The Role of Geospatial Analysis in Maternal Health
Geospatial analysis is one of the tools for improving decision-making by identifying geographic gaps. In addition, geospatial studies can help prioritize scarce resources by pinpointing priority areas for implementation. A systematic review was conducted to explore the application of geospatial analysis to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in SSA. It found that geospatial analysis was used to identify inequalities in maternal and neonatal morbidity, mortality, and health care utilization and to identify gaps in the availability and geographic accessibility of maternal health facilities.
Maternal Mortality Statistics and Targets
| Metric | Current Data (SSA) | Global Target (2030) |
|---|---|---|
| Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births | 545 | Fewer than 70 |
| Contribution to world’s maternal mortality rate | 70% | - |
| Share of world population | 13% | - |
| Share of worldwide maternal deaths | 66% | - |
Despite the global consensus to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, and despite these deaths being largely preventable, there are many challenges in SSA that slow progress. Prioritizing interventions and resource allocation to areas where maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality are most likely to happen is necessary to ensure that the available resources are optimally used.