International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Jamaica's maternal mortality rate is to remain above the target that has been set as part of the 2015 millennium development goal.

Minister with responsibility for Information Sandrea Falconer made the announcement during Jamaica's presentation before the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) at the UN Commission in New York, reports the Jamaica Observer.

The maternal mortality rate in the Caribbean nation currently stands at 78 deaths per 100,000 live births and the target is to bring this figure down to 25 per 100,000 live births.

"Among the contributing factors are lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, followed by haemorrhage, embolism, and unsafe abortions which account for half of all maternal deaths," said Ms Falconer, who added violence and cardiac diseases are among the other reasons for the high maternal mortality rate.

According to the World Health Organization, complications during pregnancy and childbirth are one of the leading causes of death and disability among women of reproductive age in developing countries.

Posted by Paul Robertson