Millennium Development Goal #5 has the target to reduce by three-quarters, between 1990 and 2015, the maternal mortality rate. Maternal mortality refers to the death of women from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth.

Results from reports of the National Committee on Confidential Inquiry for the period 1999-2001 highlight major causes of maternal mortality. These include: non-pregnancy related infections (31,4%); complications of hypertension in pregnancy (20,7%); obstetric hemorrhage (13.9%); pregnancy-related sepsis (12,4%); and pre-existing medical conditions (7,0%). The non-pregnancy related infections, including AIDS, has increased from 23% in 1998 to 31,4% in the current triennium. The Department of Health has developed a set of recommendations to address this issue, which includes improving use of treatment guidelines and protocols, improving referral systems and emergency. Source: MDG Country Report 2005 for South Africa.

Find out more about this problem

What is your solution ?

We now ask you to recommend a solution that would have an important impact on reducing the maternal mortality rate. In order to offer a feasible, sustainable and valuable solution, we suggest that you read SMART method of public policy. You will also see what our next steps are, to promote you and your ideas.   *Full name: *Profession: *Education: *E-mail: Telephone: *Your solution: The fields marked with * are mandatory ! Important: Why do you need to give all these details? Because we want to stay in touch with you if we need more information about the problem you are raising. Your contacts will not be disclosed to third parties.