SERVING
PREGNANT
WOMEN IN
RURAL ETHIOPIA
Most maternal deaths are preventable through low-cost interventions.
Women living in poor, marginalised and under-served communities face large inequalities and barriers in accessing maternal care. Few will attend the recommended 4 antenatal care appointments. Many will give birth at home, without a skilled attendant, risking maternal and newborn mortality, morbidities and disabilities.
We work with pregnant women, aged 20 – 49 years old and their husbands and partners in hard-to-reach communities in rural Amhara.
COVID-19 diverted access and resources away from maternal health services. Women stayed away from maternal health centres, and misinformation created greater barriers in ensuring access to skilled childbirth.
In Amhara:
1 in 10 women will give birth in a health facility*
2% of deliveries in the poorest households had a skilled birth attendant**
1 in 8 women will receive 4 antenatal care appointments ***
*UNICEF, Maternal and Newborn Health Disparities in Ethiopia, 2016
**UNICEF, Maternal and Newborn Health Disparities in Ethiopia, 2016
***UNICEF, Maternal and Newborn Health Disparities in Ethiopia, 2016
Together with the Amhara Regional Health Bureau, we are delivering change for women.
10 million people reached with COVID-19 and safe motherhood information
49,000 women reached with in-person safe motherhood information
16,000 men engaged to support their wives and partners to seek safe motherhood care.
Workinesh’s Story
Workinesh is 25 years old and living in Ylmena Densa. As she nears full term of her first pregnancy, she has decided to stay at a maternity waiting home (MWH).
“I live far from the health centre and there is no access for an ambulance at my home. That is why I come here to the MWH.” Workinesh heard about the MWHs by attending a pregnancy meeting hosted by SafeHands and decided it was the safest option but her husband Megbaru did not want her to go. Participating in a SafeHands meeting convinced Megbaru that his wife would receive the best care.
Workinesh is currently staying at the MWH with her mother, awaiting the arrival of her first child. She is happy with the care she is receiving and says the midwives and carers are attentive and supportive.
Reaching Those Most in Need
We want to make sure as many women as possible have access to high quality maternal care, so we work to reach those that are marginalised and underserved.
75% of women we work with in Ethiopia are under-served
92% are in the lowest income quintile (less than £1 per day)
88% live in rural areas and over half live at a distance from the nearest health facility
52% of women cannot read or write
7% reported living with a disability including difficultly or inability walking, seeing, hearing, cognition, self-care and communication.
Women who belong to these groups face multiple obstacles when it comes to accessing maternal care. We want to ensure we deliver impact for these women, to ensure no one is left behind.
Information we deliver must be available, accessible, and acceptable. That is why we identified mediums that work for women. From health education films to public radio campaigns, takeaway pamphlets have been proven to aid discussion with partners and families. Care is taken to be sensitive to social and cultural considerations on gender, language and religion.
Engaging Men
Men have a clear role in decision-making with women when it comes to pregnancy and childbirth. That is why we communication with partners and husbands on the importance of good maternal care.
8 out of 10 of women in Amhara we surveyed made health decisions on safe motherhood with their partners. 1 in 10 women report that their male partners are the sole decision-maker on their health. We recognise men’s role in supporting the health and wellbeing of their wives and families. That is why we encourage men to participate alongside their wives in pregnancy conferences, and provide specific information tailored to men to answer any questions or concerns.
Stories of Choice
See who else we’re reaching
Young People
Health Workers
Communities
Photo Credit:
Banner Image: SafeHands | Nancy Durrell McKenna | Ethiopia | 2019
Banchayheu’s Portrait: SafeHands | Aemero Tenagne | Ethiopia | 2021