Curbing Maternal Mortality: A Call For Community Action

Tosi Jones On The Field Talking To Women On Obstetric Care 

By Raymond Dingana

Maternal mortality is a serious issue in Cameroon, particularly in the North West and South West regions. One major cause of this problem is the delay in attending antenatal care, worsened by the ongoing Anglophone crisis. This conflict has driven health facilities and personnel away from many areas, leaving communities vulnerable.

The crisis has also hit families hard, making it difficult for them to afford basic healthcare. As a result, many expectant mothers are at risk. Health officials in the North West Region warn that delays in obstetric care are leading to unnecessary deaths among pregnant women.

Obstetric care includes the medical attention women need during pregnancy, childbirth, and after delivery. Unfortunately, many expectant mothers do not prioritize these visits, often waiting until it’s too late.

Why Are Women Delaying Care?

Several factors contribute to delays in receiving obstetric care. Nanga, a mother of three, shared her experience of nearly losing her last child because she couldn’t afford timely clinic visits. 

"My business crumbled because of the crisis. My shop was looted in 2021,"

 she explained. Since then, she has struggled to afford antenatal care.

Another woman, Lum Linda, faced a tragic situation when her baby died during a lockdown. 

"If not for Doctors Without Borders, I might not be here today,"

she said, recounting how she managed to get to the hospital just in time, but sadly, it was too late for her baby.

These stories are just a glimpse into the challenges many women face. According to Tosi Jones, a midwife and public health researcher, transportation issues, insecurity, and financial hardship often prevent women from seeking the care they need.

 "If a woman is in labor but lacks transportation money, she will delay,"

 Tosi explained.

Cultural beliefs also play a role. In some communities, especially among Muslims, women prefer home births due to cost concerns. Unfortunately, this can lead to complications, including stillbirth and maternal death.

The Community's Role in Change

Recognizing that the factors causing delays in obstetric care won’t disappear overnight, communities are coming together to make a difference. Tosi Jones has seen firsthand how some remote communities are taking action to curb maternal mortality. 

In these areas, community members have organized transport services for expectant mothers, as many lack access to ambulances. 

"They can also work on local roads to make travel easier and even raise funds to support local healthcare,"

 Tosi noted.

He urges pregnant women to start their antenatal visits as early as possible. Early care can help identify and address complications before they become serious. Tosi also calls on government officials to improve road infrastructure and resolve the Anglophone crisis, ensuring that no woman has to face life-threatening delays in accessing healthcare.

By working together and prioritizing maternal health, communities can significantly reduce maternal mortality. Every expectant mother deserves timely care, and with collective effort, we can make a difference.