Changing perceptions about maternal health
Women's Hope International aims to enable as many women as possible to give birth safely. According to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), around 800 women still die every day from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth.
Maternal and Child Health in the Somali Region of Ethiopia
The Somali region is one of the most disadvantaged areas in Ethiopia in terms of health care. Maternal and child mortality rates are particularly high. In addition, the region suffers from persistent food insecurity due to acute periods of drought.
Only about 26% of births are accompanied by skilled birth attendants, and only 23.3% of women give birth in a health facility (2019).
62% of married women were married as minors, compared to the national average of 58% (2018).
Maternal mortality is 412 deaths per 100,000 live births; the national average is 401.
To change attitudes and behaviors, change must take place at different levels. This is because individual and societal factors interact and influence each other.
Our work
In the mother-child health project in Ethiopia, Women's Hope follows the socio-ecological approach and implements measures at the societal, community, family and individual levels.
At the political-structural level, the aim is to improve the quality of healthcare institutions. The project is being implemented in close cooperation with the state health services.
Community involvement is a strong focus of Women's Hope. Main emphasis is placed on so-called "core groups" consisting of women at reproductive age, traditional birth attendants, religious leaders and community workers.
At the family level, pregnant women and their environment (husbands, extended family, neighbors) receive a course to prepare effectively for the birth of the child.
The individual level is closely linked to the family level. In an environment where many people are skeptical about institutional obstetrics, the course helps to reduce these reservations.
The socioecological model.
With your donation you invest in the health and rights of girls and women in Africa and Asia. You help to realize our projects in Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Bangladesh and Chad.
Our project work on maternal health
Ethiopia: Mother and Child Health through Strengthening Citizen Initiatives
Communities in the Somali Region are mobilized to improve maternal and child health services through their own initiatives. Trust in institutional health services is increased through the involvement of key individuals.