By Mercy Matonga:
A report by Countdown 2030 has revealed that many poor women in Malawi do not have access to delivery through surgical procedures (caesarean section).
The lead researcher for Countdown 2030, Adamson Muula, says according to the study they conducted, caesarean sections in Malawi are mostly accessed by well-off people.
“Over the years, there was increased rates of C-section rates throughout the wealth categories, although the increase has been lower in the lower-wealth group but improved much more in the higher-wealth categories,” the report reads.
The report states that 16 out of every 100 women who are well-off are able to give birth through this procedure, while only four out of every 100 poor women receive surgical assistance.
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Speaking to The Daily Times, Muula said the research findings differ from the situation in other countries, where the proportions of women delivering by caesarean section and those delivering normally are more balanced.
“In countries like Brazil, the ratio is currently at 50: 50 and this shows that women have access and [enjoy their] rights in the way they give birth,” Muula said.
The report further recommended that there is a need to strengthen data collection and monitoring systems to regularly assess progress and identify areas for improvement.
“Sustain efforts to promote and ensure skilled birth attendance during childbirth by strengthening training programmes for midwives and other healthcare professionals,” the report reads.
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Commenting on the issue, Ministry of Health spokesperson Adrian Chikumbe said there might be factors that may lead to the situation including cost.
“C-section needs to be done by well trained [personnel] and also needs an environment where it can go smoothly; so, there are many factors that need to be considered for C-section to be done,” Chikumbe said.
