For Su Myat Oo, the year 2022 could not have started better: On 1 January 2022, the Mother Child Centre (MCC) in Bogale, Myanmarfor which the Artemed Stiftung representative in Myanmar is responsible, was opened. More than two years ago, we planned this project together with our local colleagues in order to make our contribution to reducing maternal mortality worldwide. However, the Corona pandemic and difficult conditions due to the political situation in the country have repeatedly delayed the implementation.
Worldwide, there has been a decline in maternal mortality since 1990. Improved hygienic standards, trained personnel and, above all, the possibility of prenatal care are the main reasons for this positive development. Nevertheless, the goal of the United Nations' Agenda 2030 to reduce maternal mortality to below 70 per 100,000 live births is still far from being achieved. Worldwide, approximately 830 women still die every day in connection with pregnancy and childbirth. By comparison, the rate in Germany is 7 per 100,000 live births.
In the Bogale region, in the south-western part of Myanmar and the starting point for our floating clinic - the Irrawaddy River Doctors -complications and deaths during childbirth are not uncommon. The infant mortality rate is also very high in this region, at 75 per 1000 children under the age of five. Preventive measures, such as at least the three check-ups recommended by the WHO during pregnancy and the provision of essential micronutrients such as folic acid, iodine, magnesium and iron, have already greatly reduced this figure. This is proven by the work of the Irrawaddy River Doctors. A significant improvement in the health of mothers and children in the Irrawaddy delta has been achieved. However, as the ship in Bogale does not take in patients, the town itself has unfortunately not yet benefited from our efforts.
The mother and child center is now intended to compensate for this deficit: A modern building with high-quality medical equipment has been standing in Bogale since January 2022. In addition to a bright waiting and reception room, there is also an examination room and a delivery room. There are also two hospital rooms for women who have recently given birth. A gynecologist, two midwives and three nurses' assistants look after the patients. The residents were informed about the new facility in advance through verbal propaganda, Flyer and social media. Successfully, as you can see: In the first week, more than 10 women came for check-ups. Children and adolescents have also been treated. The target number of patients is 400 - 600 pregnant women and at least 300 children per month; up to 90 births per quarter are possible with the current equipment. For most people, treatment is free of charge; only the more affluent are charged a small contribution towards the cost of screening.
We are proud and impressed by the tireless efforts of our Burmese colleagues, who have not let themselves be diverted from their goal despite the difficult political situation. "The centre is emblematic of women's health in our society," says Su Myat Oo. "I am immensely grateful for its completion". Her efforts were directly rewarded: on 30 January, the first healthy baby girl was born at the clinic.
