In Senegal, The Grandmas Are In Charge()
August 11, 2011 Grandmothers in this West African nation have traditionally passed on health education and childbirth tips to the pregnant women. Now, health care workers are coming to communities to teach the elders modern medicine and discuss topics like breast-feeding — so there isn't conflict when the baby arrives.
In Pakistan, Birth Control And Religion Clash()
August 10, 2011 According to a new government survey, Pakistan is producing nearly 4 million babies every year, and most are born into poverty. Conservative clerics tell Muslims that the Quran instructs women to bear as many babies as possible. But some families aren't so sure.
In Mozambique, A Fight To Keep Babies HIV-Free()
July 6, 2011 In one province of the southeastern African nation, 30 percent of women are HIV-positive. Pregnant women who seek prenatal care are routinely tested for the virus and, if infected, will be given anti-retroviral drugs to help prevent transmission to their babies. But drug shortages are preventing some women from getting the help they need.
Drug Given To Moms After Childbirth Sparks Controversy()
June 29, 2011 The leading cause of maternal death in the developing world is excessive bleeding after childbirth. The drug misoprostol can prevent the bleeding — but it can also be used to induce abortion. So it carries both a promise and a risk, especially in places like Mozambique.
Grim Prospects For Mozambican Mother, Child()
June 27, 2011 Mozambique's rates of maternal and infant mortality are among the highest in the world. So the government is trying to encourage women to have their babies in maternity units. It's also training volunteers to help with basic medical care and nurses to carry out procedures like cesarean sections.
