Project
Safe Childbirth Project in Luzhou, Sichuan (2005-2008)
Background:
Amity has long been engaged in medical training for ethnic minorities and
grassroots personnel in remote areas where resources are scarce, as well as
in the promotion of primary health care. Amity has also trained numerous medical
workers from country areas who have a deep love for their villages. With a
long-term commitment to their work in poor agricultural areas, these medical
workers lay the foundation for competent medical care in China's remote areas.
China has made strong progress over the past decade in its reduction of infant
and maternal mortality rates. UNICEF data indicate that China's maternal mortality
rate declined from 89 per 100,000 live births in 1990 to about 53 per 100,000
live births in 2002. Despite such progress at the national level, the difference
in mortality rates between poorer and richer provinces has widened. In many
remote Chinese villages, where health care services are few and difficult to
access, and where women give birth to their children at home, often assisted
by uncertified local midwives or female friends and family members, maternal
mortality rates remain high.
In the poverty-stricken area of Luzhou ( Sichuan Province) a majority of
pregnant women cannot afford hospital care ensuring safe pregnancy and childbirth.
Maternal mortality rates among impoverished communities in Luzhou are estimated
at approximately 109.40 per 100,000 live births (compared to a national average
of 53 per 100,000 live births).
Objective:
To reduce the maternal mortality rate in Luzhou by giving midwives and obstetricians
training to enhance their safe childbirth skills and, at the same time, making
hospital services more accessible to poor families.
