Determinants and Prevention of Maternal and Child Mortality

Most Relevant and Current Data

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Burkina Faso was 430 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020, while the under-five mortality rate (U5MR) was 96 deaths per 1,000 live births in the same year (Kiemtore et al., 2020).

In Angola, the MMR was 420 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020, and the U5MR was 70 deaths per 1,000 live births (Balogun et al., 2020).

In Albania, the MMR was 4 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020, and the U5MR was 11 deaths per 1,000 live births (Mone et al., 2022).

Here is a bar chart comparing the MMRs of the three countries:

Country

MMR

Burkina Faso

430

Angola

420

Albania

4

And here is a bar chart comparing the U5MRs of the three countries:

Country

U5MR

Burkina Faso

96

Angola

70

Albania

11

Overall, it can be seen that Albania has the lowest rates of maternal and under-five mortality, while Burkina Faso and Angola have higher rates.

Preventive Services to Improve Maternal and Child Health Outcomes

In Burkina Faso, for example, the government has implemented a number of initiatives to improve maternal and child health outcomes, including the establishment of a national health insurance scheme to increase access to healthcare services and the expansion of community-based health worker programs to improve the delivery of healthcare at the local level (Kiendrebeogo et al., 2022).

In Angola, the government has also prioritized maternal and child health, launching a number of initiatives to increase the availability of essential health services and improve the quality of care, including the expansion of the national immunization program and the implementation of a national plan to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV (Vueba et al., 2021).

In Albania, the government has implemented a number of measures to improve maternal and child health, including the expansion of access to antenatal and postnatal care, the introduction of a national family planning program, and the implementation of a nationwide vaccination program (Tresa et al., 2022).

Socioeconomic Determinants

There are several socioeconomic determinants that can influence the use of preventive services in Burkina Faso, Angola, and Albania, including:

1. Poverty: Poverty can limit access to healthcare services and make it difficult for individuals to afford the costs associated with preventive care.

2. Education: Higher levels of education can lead to increased awareness of the importance of preventive services and greater use of these services, including the use of skilled birth attendants and coverage of antenatal care.

3. Gender: In some societies, traditional gender roles and beliefs can prevent women from seeking out preventive care, particularly in cases where they do not have the support of their male partners or families.

4. Geography: Rural communities may have limited access to healthcare facilities and services, making it more difficult for individuals to access preventive care.

5. Cultural practices: Certain cultural practices, such as traditional childbirth practices or beliefs about the causes of illness, can influence the use of preventive services.

In Burkina Faso, for example, poverty is a major factor that can influence the use of preventive services. According to the World Bank, Burkina Faso is one of the poorest countries in the world, with nearly 40% of the population living below the poverty line (Ndri &...…for individuals. This could include initiatives such as subsidies or insurance programs to cover the cost of healthcare visits.

4. Educating communities: Governments and NGOs can work to educate communities about the importance of preventive services and the benefits of seeking out such care, with the goal of overcoming cultural barriers and increasing the utilization of these services.

Summary and Positive Change

Overall, it is clear that there are significant differences in maternal and child health outcomes in Burkina Faso, Angola, and Albania, with Albania having the lowest rates of maternal and under-five mortality and Burkina Faso and Angola having higher rates. A number of socioeconomic determinants, including poverty, education, gender, geography, and cultural practices, can influence the use of preventive services in these countries and contribute to these differences in health outcomes.

To address these differences and improve maternal and child health outcomes, it is important to put in place interventions and efforts that aim to overcome the barriers and gaps in existing preventive services and increase access to these services for all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status. This includes increasing the availability of healthcare facilities, training and supporting healthcare providers, reducing financial barriers, and educating communities about the importance of preventive care.

Such efforts can have a positive impact on public health and health equity in these countries, as they can help reduce maternal and child mortality rates and improve the overall health and well-being of the population. By achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to maternal and child health, these countries can make progress towards the broader goal of improving health and…