Top women's health news

Unicef says communities 'key' to ending FGM in Africa

Dawn Parker — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:45:09 +0100

In a statement released to commemorate the Day of the African Child 2013, Unicef has said that efforts to engage entire communities are critical to combating female genital mutilation (FGM) on the continent.

Nigerian midwifery scheme has 'tremendously reduced' maternal deaths

Dawn Parker — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:45:02 +0100

Maternal and newborn health in Nigeria has been significantly improved since the introduction of the Midwives Service Scheme (MSS) in 2010, new statistics show.

Maternal mortalities 'on the rise' in Belgaum, India

Dawn Parker — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:15:12 +0100

The number of maternal deaths in Belgaum district, Karnataka, India, is reportedly rising - a trend put down to the absence of medical experts at community health centres and the district general hospital.

In 2011-12, the area recorded a total of 83 maternal deaths. For 2012-13, the number increased to 98.

Upgraded Tanzanian health centre records zero maternal deaths

Dawn Parker — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:15:12 +0100

A rural Tanzanian health centre has announced that for 2013 to date, it has not recorded a single maternal death - despite treating six times as many pregnant women as five years ago.

Mlimba Health Centre is located 150 km from Ifakara district, Morogoro region. It used to treat around 40 mothers every month, referring a further 150 from remote villages to a hospital in Ifakara.

Egyptian stance on FGM condemned by children's rights group

Dawn Parker — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:15:02 +0100

The Egyptian Coalition for Children's Rights (ECCR) has denounced the Egyptian government's stance on female genital mutilation (FGM) in a statement released following the death of a 13-year-old who was undergoing the practice.

Adverse maternal outcomes 'less common' at home

Dawn Parker — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:15:03 +0100

A team of Dutch researchers has found that when babies are delivered at home rather than in hospitals, the likelihood of adverse maternal outcomes is actually lower - but only for low-risk women who have previously given birth.

GAMCOTRAP launches anti-FGM campaign in Niaminas

Dawn Parker — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:45:02 +0100

The Gambia Committee of Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children (GAMCOTRAP) has launched a new campaign to accelerate the abandonment of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the country.

FGM in Tanzania's Tarime district 'almost ending'

Dawn Parker — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:15:11 +0100

A campaign to eradicate female genital mutilation (FGM) in Tanzania is "widely bearing fruit", it has been reported, with tribes in Tarime district reporting that they have abandoned the practice.

Kenya establishes Fistula research centre

Dawn Parker — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:15:02 +0100

A research centre for obstetric fistula has been established at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in the North Rift, Kenya - addressing concerns that cases are on the rise in the region.

Egyptian campaigners mobilise following FGM death

Dawn Parker — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 15:15:05 +0100

A coalition of Egyptian non-governmental organisations has launched a new campaign to combat female genital mutilation (FGM) - days after a 13-year-old died undergoing the practice.