Maternal and child health is fundamental for the well-being of families and societies, laying the foundation for future generations. Ensuring access to quality healthcare for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and early childhood is thus crucial for reducing maternal and child mortality and preventing long-term health complications. In Myanmar, despite the progress made over the last decades, as per the UN Interagency estimates (UNIGME) (2020), the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is as high as 179 deaths per 100,000 live births and is the second highest in the WHO South-East Asia Region. Even within the country, the risk of maternal deaths is disproportionately high among the most vulnerable segments of society.
A safe and healthy mother and her baby. Photo Credit: WHO Myanmar (2024)
In Myanmar, due to the recent years burden of COVID-19 pandemic and humanitarian crisis, women and children encounter numerous obstacles in accessing quality healthcare, exacerbated by limited availability of essential services in remote and conflict-affected areas. Inadequate healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural regions, hinders access to maternal and child health services, contributing to elevated mortality rates. Additionally, socio-cultural norms and economic disparities further marginalised women and children, impeding their ability to seek and receive timely healthcare interventions.
Despite these ongoing challenges, WHO Myanmar explored ways to support access to life saving health services and routine essential services. In collaboration with health partners, WHO has been working diligently to address the health needs of communities, with a special focus on women and children. These health initiatives supported them with essential healthcare during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.
Under these efforts, the lives of Ma Aye and her baby in Mingin Township, Sagaing Region were saved, and her family was protected from falling into the financial hardship of catastrophic health expenditures.
Her husband said: “After a lengthy journey from our village to the hospital, first by motorbike and then by a rented three-wheeled sidecar, we finally arrived. While running low on funds, my wife began experiencing labour pains, complicated by pregnancy-induced hypertension, which requires a surgical delivery. With the funds received and the news of receiving support for the delivery brought immense relief. Thankfully, both mother and baby are now safe and healthy. We are grateful for the assistance and we can return home without financial strain.”
In Myanmar, investing in women's health is paramount for advancing sustainable development goals, as it directly impacts the nation's overall prosperity and well-being. By prioritizing maternal and child health, such investments yield a myriad of positive outcomes, including lower maternal and child mortality, which are crucial for achieving sustainable development targets. Moreover, improved women's health leads to reduced poverty levels and enhanced economic productivity, as healthy women are better able to participate in the workforce and contribute effectively to the economy, thereby fostering long-term socio-economic growth and stability in Myanmar.
As Ma Aye1, many lives of women in difficult regions are being saved and their well - being promoted amidst the critical times in Myanmar. WHO commits to investing in women’s health as it is not only a matter of gender equality but also fulfilling health equity and human rights.
WHO renews its thanks to Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for the contribution allowing WHO and its partners to continue delivering life-saving services to the most vulnerable communities.
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[1] To protect the privacy of certain individuals, the name has been changed.