Maternal health refers to the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. While motherhood is often a positive and fulfilling experience, for too many women it is associated with suffering, ill-health and even death.
According to Oxfam, Every year over half a million women die in developing countries from complications during pregnancy and childbirth. But most of these deaths could be prevented by improving maternal health care.
DMF focuses on the health and well-being of pregnant mothers, providing encouragement and basic practical support for prenatal and postnatal checkups in order to prevent complications during and after pregnancy.
We sensitize new mothers about the importance of breastfeeding and the importance of good nutrition to a child. We invigorate their confidence and bring up their self-esteem, mentally and physically during pregnancy, readying them to take on motherhood.
We also work together with local communities, health departments, local government to fight against child and maternal mortality or raising funds and awareness towards logistical support; be it for skills training or equipment needed in the different health centres in our communities.
The Facts:
· 1,500 women die every day from complications relating to pregnancy and childbirth – only five of these occur in rich countries
· Women in poor countries are 300 times more likely to die in childbirth than women in rich countries
· 500,000 people die each year in developing countries from mostly preventable maternal causes
