International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

The issue of maternal mortality requires immediate attention in Kyrgyzstan, it has been reported.

Ajibai Kalmamatov, a member of the parliament in the former Soviet state, reported that 97 deaths were witnessed before or during childbirth, or from labour complications during 2009.

The 24.kg news agency reported that this represented a 25 per cent increase on the previous year.

Mr Kalmamatov commented that the highest death incidence was seen in the country's Osh region, closely followed by Chui and Naryn.

He stated: "We should not lay the blame for such a high rate only on medics. Frequently women themselves turn for medical aid in a grave condition just before delivery."

Last year, the World Health Organization reported that global maternal mortality rates barely improved between 1990 and 2007.

Commenting on the report, United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-moon said the lack of improvement was "an outrage".

Posted by Martine Ward