MATERNAL HEALTH
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MATERNAL HEALTH
Every day around the world, 1,000 women die as a result of pregnancy complications. Ninety-nine percent of these deaths occur in developing countries. In Nepal, a woman dies in labour every 4 hours and a baby, every 15 minutes. The large majority of these deaths are preventable.
A4WH is tackling maternal death and disease in a number of innovative ways. In conjunction with several bodies, including the United Nations, the Nepal Ministry of Health, and University Teaching Hospitals, A4WH is helping make pregnancy and childbirth a safer time for mothers and their babies.
MEDICAL TRAINING
MIDWIFE TRAINING
MATERNAL MORTALITY FACTS
Maternal and neonatal deaths are clustered around the delivery and the postpartum period, with mortality risks strongly associated with the “three delays” in receiving skilled care at the time of an obstetric emergency—e.g. delays in the decision to seek care, in reaching health facility, and receiving quality care on arrival. A recent multi-country study has shown that these delays are often attributed to financial barriers, transportation challenges and distance to appropriate facilities. Ensuring that mothers have access to a skilled attendant during labour can dramatically reduce the risk of death for the mother and her newborn child. In almost all countries where health professionals attend more than 80 per cent of deliveries, maternal mortality ratios are below 200 per 100,000 deliveries. In rural areas where doctors and nurses are scarce, women often give birth at home without the assistance of a skilled health worker with the medical skills or equipment to provide life-saving interventions in the case of emergencies.
AUSTRALIANS FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH
The health of families and communities is strongly tied to the health of women—the illness or death of a woman has serious consequences for the health of her children, her family and the community.
HAEMORRHAGE PREVENTION
Postpartum haemorrhage is the leading cause of death in pregnancy in developing countries. A4WH is currently undertaking research in the use of a medication called misoprostol. This drug has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of severe blood loss after delivery. It is a simple, stable, and inexpensive medication that can be taken orally and does not require refrigeration. Misoprostol may be the most suitable medication to be used following delivery in rural and remote areas of developing countries.
NEW MOTHERS AND BABIES HOSPITAL DOLAKHA
Thank You to Our Partners and Sponsors
Get In Touch With Us
Contact Infomation
Please see our Contact information below.
Australians For Women’s Health
57 Lake Road
Port Macquarie, NSW 2444,
email admin@a4wh.org
Phone: (+612) 6584 5857
Fax: (+612) 6584 7211
Hours of Operation
M – F 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Send Cheques to:
Atten: Australians for Women’s Health
PO Box 536
Port Macquarie
NSW 2444
Media Enquiries
Keith Wikinson
e:prorec@optusnet.com.au
atten: Media Enquiries
Phone Mobile: +61 0412 856 569
FAQ
Q: If I make a donation to A4WH, where does my money go?
A: The full value of your donation will be used to provide critical medical services to women in developing countries, including:
- training and building capacity of local doctors, nurses and midwives;
- provision of equipment; and
- construction of infrastructure projects such as hospitals, clinics and operating theatres.
The use of donated funds exclusively for patients in need and the building of capacity in their countries is a fundamental principle of the A4WH foundation.
Q: How is this possible? And how can I be sure my donation does go to where you say it does?
A: Some donors elect to have their donation cover the administrative and organisational costs and an Australian company transfers all of its annual profits to A4WH. This company (Port Macquarie Ultrasound) is owned and operated by the founder of A4WH, Dr Ray Hodgson. These funds and personal donations by Dr Hodgson and contributions from other than donors eg merchandise sales, cover all administrative and organisational costs. A4WH is strongly committed to complete transparency of all finances within charitable organisations.
Q: There are so many charitable organisations asking for my money. Why should I choose to donate to A4WH?
A: There is no doubt that Australians are extremely privileged to receive very high standards of medical care. Our access to a world class health system can so easily be taken for granted. There is a massive imbalance in the availability of medical treatment between countries like Australia and those of the developing world, and among the populations of these countries this imbalance is most blatant among women. If you agree with A4WH’s Mission Statement that every woman, regardless of race, wealth or status should have equal access to the highest standards of medical care, a donation to A4WH is an effective and efficient ways of redressing this shameful imbalance.
Q: Is a donation I make to A4WH tax deductible?
A: Yes. All donations to A4WH are fully tax deductible.
Q: I want to become a volunteer. What do I do?
A: Download the Volunteer Application form.
Q: Is there an age limit for volunteers?
A: As working in overseas countries involves a certain element of risk, the insurance policies of A4WH specify a lower age limit of 18 years.
Q: What types of insurance cover will I need?
A: A4WH will cover all travel and medical insurance, including, if necessary, medical evacuation.
Q: Will I be safe at my overseas placement?
A: There are security issues of some kind in every country. A4WH monitors security through our official and local contacts. Understanding the culture, observing local social behaviours, establishing friendships and seeking advice from the local community will improve your everyday personal security, as will being sensitive and sensible.
More Information
Go to the “How You Can Help” tab in the menu above for full particulars.
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