maternal health
According to Fiji Times, women do two-thirds of the world's work.[1] "For all that the women do for families and communities, humanity's nonchalance manifests in the lack of both social and capital investment in girls and women."[1] "Five women a day die in the Pacific region due to pregnancy or childbirth related causes."[2] One major reason for poor maternal health is the fact that a large part of the population (approx. 77%) live in rural areas. Due to this, women face journeys of several areas to get to a health facility or to trained healthcare professionals.[2]
how can we improve Maternal health?
"Maternal health is important because it is seen as the first step towards the achievement of the other MDGs, particularly in terms of eradication of extreme poverty and hunger (MDG1) and the reduction of child mortality (MDG4)."[3] "Improving the situation goes beyond merely looking at strengthening health systems (although this is a key area)."[4] Investment is required in political will, gender equality, legislation and policies, family planning services, and health systems strengthening.