The World Health Organization reported on October 12 that Afghan hospitals are strengthening reviews of maternal and newborn deaths to identify avoidable risks and improve treatment. The work is supported financially by the Asian Development Bank, with technical assistance from WHO and cooperation from Afghan healthcare institutions.
According to WHO, more than 900 health workers and managers have been trained through related work developed over several years, and reviews have been carried out across 50 supported hospitals. The teams examine factors including haemorrhage, severe high blood pressure, infection, premature birth and a lack of oxygen during childbirth.
The programme is intended to improve clinical practices, emergency referrals and the management of high-risk mothers and newborns. The report did not establish a specific immediate percentage reduction in mortality attributable to the reviews.