60 million women give birth each year with the assistance of a Traditional Birth Attendant or with no assistance at all.
The United Nations (W.H.O.) estimates that 385,000 women die annually in childbirth. Developing countries account for 99% of these deaths. For every woman who dies in childbirth, another 30 women incur injuries and infections - many of which are often painful, disabling, embarrassing and lifelong.
There are ways to help reduce these statistics, including:
- Preventing unwanted pregnancies
- Improving antenatal care
- Improving capacity for dealing with obstetric complications
- Providing clean birthing conditions
The Birthing Kit Foundation (Australia) is trying to reduce these horrific statistics through education programmes and the supply of clean birthing kits.