RESUMO
The Government of Senegal, in keeping with the priority given to women and children in its health programs, requested the assistance of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in identifying and executing a program to diminish maternal mortality in that country. A UNDP "Mission of Identification" was carried out in response to this initiative. The preliminary results of this mission confirm that the issue of maternal safety is of primary concern not only to the government but also to women in the Republic of Senegal. The methodology employed during this mission allowed the team of national and international experts to confirm the level of this concern and to identify four major potential areas of intervention. Quantitative goals for the program have been set and estimates for the efficacy of each of the intervention areas indicate that intervention through the timely provision of access to emergency surgical services and appropriate prenatal care will yield the largest reduction. The feasibility of providing interventions in each of the four areas was also addressed during the mission. This methodology will be applicable to other settings as Third World countries begin to address the problem of excessive maternal mortality.
PIP: The government of Senegal, in March of 1986, requested assistance from the UN Development Program (UNDP) to formulate and execute a program for safe motherhood. Senegal, with an estimated maternal mortality rate of 580-760/100,000, was the 1st country to initiate a concrete national program to address the problem of maternal mortality. Despite the existence of a well-developed health infrastructure, data showed that the majority of Senegalese women deliver at home and that only 20% of maternal mortality is reported. Causes of mortality include endemic diseases (malaria and hepatitis), and abrupted placenta as a complication of hypertension. To identify the target areas of intervention, a "Mission of Identification" was organized by the UNDP in collaboration with the government of Senegal. 4 levels of the health infrastructure--village or rural maternity, the health post, the health center, and regional and national hospitals--were assessed as to existing and potential capacity to prevent maternal deaths. Epidemiology, social barriers to care, service delivery problems, and management issues were addressed. Results revealed a minimal knowledge of family planning, an expressed desire to solve the problems, and the strong influence of traditional beliefs in health care intervention, all of which contribute to maternal mortality. Interventions to reduce mortality were outlined based on identified causes of death and capabilities to address a specific problem. Over 50% of maternal deaths could be prevented by improved access and optimization of health care delivery and timely medical/surgical intervention. Adequate prenatal coverage and reducing pregnancy rates at the extremes of maternal age and parity were also cited as methods to reduce mortality. Estimates of the efficacy of these interventions were based on universal access, which does not now exist. A significant investment must be made to assure such access and to emphasize the priority given to maternal/child health by the government of Senegal.