Emergency Obstetric care: the key to further reducing maternal mortality in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This paper, in the South East Asia Regional Health Forum, discusses ways of reducing maternal mortality in Sri Lanka. Whilst the maternal mortality rate in Sri Lanka compares favourably with that of other countries in the region, much more can be done to bring down this rate further. The paper recommends that emphasis should be directed towards providing emergency obstetric care where all basic facilities for childbirth, including instrumental deliveries are provided. In addition, comprehensive emergency obstetric care must be made available in selected centres where mothers needing Caesarean section and blood transfusion are cared for. The paper concludes that the majority of maternal deaths occur due to delays in providing emergency obstetric care. This area has to be add-ressed urgently in order to maintain and improve the rate of reduction of maternal deaths. The political will to make drastic changes is a prerequisite if maternal deaths are to be reduced significantly. The authors argue that preventing maternal death and disability is not only a health issue – it is also a moral issue underpinned by the guiding principles of human rights, social responsibility, participation, and equity [adapted from author].