SAFE MOTHERHOOD ICROSS 2011
Dr Michael Elmore-Meegan MSc Community Health TCD
D Med HC NUI FRAMI
Founder International Director
www.icrossinternational.org
www.icrosskenya.org
www.michaelmeegan.com
http://www.wix.com/michaelmeegan/official
A critical part of improving health care is the priorities for safe motherhood. As part f ICROSS’ campaign for advocating for mothers rights, we focus on empowering mothers and involving them in decision making. As part of the millennium goals, we are committed to reducing maternal deaths. Together with our partners, we understand that basic health care alone is not sufficient to improve safe motherhood. Maasai mothers often have their first child at the age of 17yrs. ICROSS seeks to delay marriage and first birth. This campaign has been effective and has attributed to more girls staying in school. Through community based education in the local language, we are encouraging families to delay marriages and first birth until girls complete their education.
Risks in pregnancies: there are many life threatening complications and risks that occur in pregnancy. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest death rate in the world. It is essential that all pregnant women have access to a qualified midwife. They require guidance and support during their pregnancy and after child birth.
Improved delivery: ICROSS Kenya is working to establish the most critical intervention of safe motherhood. This is to ensure skilled delivery at birth. ICROSS remains committed to building maternity units in all its clinics Reproductive health services: developed through local culture and language, we continue to provide high quality reproductive health services. These interventions are culturally sensitive and help individuals and communities be empowered by making their own choices. Since Sharon Wilkinson introduced reproductive health education into ICROSS health programmes in 1993, we have continued to provide education and information in homes, villages and clinics.
Prevention of unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortion: over 75 million unwanted pregnancies occur every year; mostly in the poor world. Without effective family planning, unsafe abortions can kill and cause permanent harm. By ensuring effective family planning, contraceptive advice and trained counselling, we can greatly reduce risk.
Safe Motherhood Research: for 30 years, ICROSS has studied the impact of its safe motherhood programme. The longest and most significant of these studies took 20 years to complete. This study examined the reduction of no natal tetanus in new born children.
Partnerships in Safe Motherhood: in 2010, ICROSS extended its network of community based organisations, women’s groups and self help societies. Together with a growing number of partners including the ministry of health, we have continued to strengthen our capacity to provide safe motherhood.
Dr Michael Elmore-Meegan MSc Community Health TCD
D Med HC NUI FRAMI
Founder International Director
www.icrossinternational.org
www.icrosskenya.org
www.michaelmeegan.com
http://www.wix.com/michaelmeegan/official
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