By Colleen O'Connor | Development Specialist
In Tanzania and in 13 other developing countries, VSI is working to ensure frontline health workers are equipped and trained on the use and benefits of misoprostol tablets for the management of postpartum hemorrhaging – the leading cause of maternal death. The response to our efforts in reaching women who might not otherwise be protected from the life-threatening bleeding is encouraging. Mothers are recommending the tablets to their pregnant friends and midwives are reporting a sense of security during home deliveries, a time often overshadowed by fear of dying.
At a recent annual meeting for the Private Nurse Midwives Association of Tanzania (PRINMAT), nurses were outspoken about the positive impact misoprostol tablets are having on women’s lives. In a country where women face a 1 in 23 lifetime risk of maternal death, many of the nurse midwives are deployed to some of the most remote areas of the country. Feeling finally equipped with a medicine that is simple, effective and practical in a village-setting, they shared their enthusiasm on having a tool to treat their patients. Since the introduction of misoprostol, many nurses said they are now seeing fewer cases of life-threatening bleeding.
In our efforts to educate and train all levels of health care providers, VSI is introducing a lecture series for medical and midwife students on the use and benefits of misoprostol tablets in partnership with the Association of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (AGOTA). The lecture series, approved by the Ministry of Health, is held at various medical and midwifery educational institutions across the country. Engaging and training our future doctors, nurses, and midwives – some whom may be in a position of influence someday – is an important step to creating sustainable and lasting change in Tanzania. Although the lecture series has just begun, over 300 students have already participated.
Our progress in making motherhood safer in Tanzania cannot happen without the shared belief, commitment, and generosity of our Global Giving Community. Thank you for helping us save mother’s lives.
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