New Delhi : The Federation of Obstetric & Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI), the apex body of obstetricians and gynaecologists in the country, in association with the South Asian Federation of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (SAFOG) and the Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics (Jhpiego), on Monday announced the launch of a fast track initiative – ‘Helping Mothers Survive’ (HMS) – aimed at reducing the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in Afghanistan and other South Asian nations including India.

This initiative to conduct training for obstetricians, gynaecologists, and medical officers, primary health care centre staff and ANMs / Staff Nurses in Afghanistan and South Asian nations through the ‘Helping Mothers Survive’ campaign to reduce MMR was conceptualized at the recently concluded 9th SAFOG conference in Agra.

Every day, 800 women die worldwide because of pregnancy-related health problems and a staggering 99% of these are reported from developing countries. The MMR is particularly high among populous South Asian nations because of poor nutrition and inadequate health services.

“The war-ravaged Afghanistan has the highest MMR at 1,400 for every 100,000. This is way above the other South Asian nations – India 236/100,000; Pakistan – 260/100,000 and Bangladesh – 194/100,000. Therefore, our immediate aim is to bring down the MMR in Afghanistan through timely intervention. We are evolving a plan involving professional organizations of both countries and respective governments,” said Dr.Hema Divakar, President, FOGSI.

According to the UN Millennium Development Goals, the MMR has to reduce 5.5% on an annual basis, but it is at 2.3% at present. “The MMR in developed nations is 16 for every 100,000 whereas the average MMR in developing nations is 240/100,000. This is higher in a few African and South Asian nations. If we have to meet the UN Goals, then, we need to intensify our programs through a combination of improved access to healthcare services and training,” Dr.Hema added.

The training will be implemented by using an innovative model of birth simulator called ‘mammanatalle’. We will offer training on prevention, recognition and treatment of PPH and PE/E (Postpartum Haemorrhage and Pre Eclampsia & Eclampsia), which are the leading causes of maternal mortality. Our aim is to prevent needless maternal deaths and the urgency is expressed by calling this mission as a ‘fast track initiative’, Dr. Hema pointed out.

The Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics has extended complete support to the joint initiative of FOGSI and SAFOG. “We welcome this initiative, as Afghanistan needs this kind of a support from other countries to rebuild the nation. We are happy that the right beginning is being made in this way. We will extend complete support to this initiative,” said Dr. Bulbul Sood, Country Director, Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics.