Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), has sounded a clarion call to reduce maternal mortality across the Americas, including the Caribbean.
Reports from PAHO highlight a concerning reversal in the progress of maternal health, with one maternal death occurring every hour in 2020 across Latin America and the Caribbean.
This alarming statistic marks a significant step back from two decades of advancement in maternal health indicators within the region.
Exacerbation of health inequalities
The COVID-19 pandemic has played a significant role in exacerbating existing inequalities, particularly affecting access to essential health services for women.
This situation has led to a 15 per cent increase in the maternal mortality ratio between 2016 and 2020.
Despite high coverage in prenatal care and significant access to health facilities during childbirth, these figures have starkly contrasted with the outcomes expected at this level of regional development.
Investments falling short
With over 90 per cent of women receiving at least four prenatal visits and similar high percentages for childbirths occurring in health facilities under qualified care, the effectiveness of these services is under scrutiny.
Dr. Barbosa emphasized the need to explore why substantial investments in health are not translating into better outcomes, suggesting that socioeconomic, cultural, educational, and environmental factors are contributing to the high rates of maternal mortality.
Strategic responses to maternal mortality
Dr. Barbosa urged the adoption of strategies addressing the vulnerabilities and entrenched gender norms that impact women’s health outcomes.
He proposed the expansion of health systems based on Primary Health Care as a pivotal approach to ensuring universal health access and coverage, which could be crucial in reducing maternal deaths.
A collective effort for improvement
PAHO has developed a Strategy to Accelerate the Reduction of Maternal Mortality, which offers a framework for action adaptable to each country’s specific context.
This strategy calls for a high level of prioritization and commitment at the local level, particularly focusing on women in the most vulnerable conditions.
The director stressed the necessity for an all-hands-on-deck approach, involving academia, civil society, and affected communities to mobilize the necessary resources for impactful action.
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