Maternal child health through water, sanitation and hygiene

Abstract

Each year 290,000 women die from complications during pregnancy, birth and the neonatal period and, an estimated 10 to 20 million women suffer from related health complications ((WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, WB, 2012). Almost 90% of the maternal deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Much of this is preventable through practices that have long been established. Hygiene and cleanliness are basic concepts in health care. They are included in most health promotion and health worker training programs. Evidence available shows their invaluable contribution to quality health service provision. Maternal mortality has decreased by one-third over the past 20 years (WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, WB, 2012) in part related to increase in safe deliveries by skilled personnel, reduced fertility and antenatal care. However, these substantial improvements have not benefited the rich and the poor alike. The burden of mortality and morbidity falls disproportionately on the poor and remains a great challenge in our world. Provision of clean water, sanitation and hygiene has played a major role in achieving this reduction.