By Zahn Mercy Gbhoe

The dreadful hands of maternal mortality are rapidly outweighing women’s safety and healthcare providers too appear troubled and believe a timely redress is intrinsic.

In some instances, some healthcare providers in Liberia have been branded “Careless” about the well-being of their patients due to the awkward experiences some have had. However, it is not the case with all of them as like thousands of them, Mr. Joseph Zondoe, Officer In Charge of the Liberia Government Hospital in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County has drowned the line and acknowledged the horrific hand work of maternal mortality and the need to proactively engage it.

Globally, women are faced with lots of challenges that lead to the lack of access to equitable, respective, and quality care particularly in reproductive health. Global report shows that every day, an estimated 810 women die from preventable pregnancy-related issues. 94℅ of these maternal deaths occur in developing regions, and 80℅ of them are preventable.

Maternal Mortality is unacceptably high. About 287,000 women died during and following pregnancy and childbirth in 2020. For over 800,000 babies each year, their day of birth is also their last day of life, and an additional 1 million newborns die within seven days of their birth.

According to him, they interviewed pregnant women concerning bleeding and if by any means it’s true, they’ll take the person’s case seriously to prevent maternal mortality and encourage all pregnant women to give birth at the hospital.

“I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact it can have on families, communities, and healthcare systems. The causes of maternal mortality are multifaceted and often rooted in systemic issues such as lack of access to quality healthcare, inadequate pre- and postnatal care, and social determinants of health such as poverty and discrimination, he narrated.

He said nurses play a crucial role in addressing maternal mortality by providing compassionate and competent care to pregnant women during all stages of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery. “They are often the first line of defense in identifying and addressing potential complications that can lead to maternal mortality,” he stated.

Additionally, nurses can advocate for policies and practices that promote maternal health and safety, as well as educate patients and families on ways to prevent maternal mortality Mr. Zondoe stated that they are raising awareness in the communities and informing pregnant women of maternal mortality.

It is important for healthcare providers, including doctors and nurses, to work collaboratively to implement evidence-based practices, improve access to healthcare services, and address the root causes of maternal mortality. By working together, we can strive to reduce maternal mortality rates and ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to have a safe and healthy pregnancy and childbirth experience, he concluded.

Unarguably, life has thrown ugly heavy stones at many and these bad experiences have often not been reflected on them particularly, but those they hold next to their hearts and their biggest regret has often been heightened by the fact that these complications are mostly avoidable but less effort are being applied by those with the responsibility to deliver a substantive remedy.

Undoubtedly, this is the case of Laura Holt, an affected family member to a victim who died during childbirth disclosed that in many parts of the world, particularly rural and remote regions, access to maternal healthcare is limited and Grand Bassa County is no exception.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my beloved aunt due to childbirth. It is a devastating tragedy that no family should ever have to face. My heart aches with grief and sorrow, knowing that her life was cut short far too soon. I will forever cherish the memories we shared and hold onto the love we had for each other. I am left with a void that can never be filled, and I can only hope that one day, maternal mortality will be eradicated so that others do not have to endure the same pain and loss as me,” she stressed.

Word Bank Gender Data Portal shows that Liberia’s maternal mortality is higher than its regional average. 652 women die per 100,000 live births due to pregnancy-related issues in this country.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global Maternal Mortality Rate ( MMR) is higher at approximately 216 deaths per 100,000 live births.