Maternal Sepsis Crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Call for Action

Research by WaterAid reveals that women in sub-Saharan Africa who develop maternal sepsis face a mortality risk nearly 150 times higher than their counterparts in the UK, Europe, and North America. The study indicates that approximately 4.7 million women experience maternal sepsis annually in sub-Saharan Africa, translating to about one in every nine births. This severe condition arises from a life-threatening reaction to infection, often due to bacteria entering the bloodstream during or after childbirth. While the global death rate for maternal sepsis is about one in 1,100 cases, in Africa, the fatality rate escalates to one in 350.

The Independent

The WaterAid report, titled “Born Without Water: the crisis in our delivery rooms,” highlights the dire state of maternity wards in the region. The analysis of healthcare facilities across 16 countries, including Nigeria, Malawi, and Tanzania, reveals that three out of four births occur in environments lacking adequate water, sanitation, or hygiene. Specifically, 78% of the maternity wards studied lacked functioning toilets, two-thirds did not have clean water and soap for handwashing, and 65% failed to meet basic environmental cleaning standards. These deficiencies significantly heighten the risk of infection for both mothers and newborns.

The Independent

In response to these findings, WaterAid has launched the "Time to Deliver" campaign, advocating for increased international investment in water, sanitation, and hygiene in healthcare facilities. The campaign is supported by notable figures, including actors Sir Mark Rylance and Sir Stephen Fry, who emphasize the urgent need for change. Amaka Godfrey, WaterAid’s executive director of international programmes, stated, “No woman should face the risk of dying in childbirth simply because clinics lack basic sanitation.” She argues that enhancing hygiene in maternity wards could substantially reduce infections and fatalities.

The Independent

The report suggests that investing in water, sanitation, and hygiene in healthcare facilities could prevent 10 million cases of maternal sepsis and save approximately 8,580 lives annually, costing less than $1 per person. However, the campaign faces challenges due to declining aid budgets. UK government spending on water, sanitation, and hygiene programs has decreased from £206.5 million in 2018 to an expected £80 million by 2024.

The Independent

WaterAid advocates for restoring investment in basic infrastructure for maternity wards, asserting that such measures could save thousands of lives each year at a minimal cost. Godfrey emphasized, “Every woman has the right to give birth safely and with dignity. Clean water in delivery rooms is not a luxury - it is the foundation of safe maternal care.”

The Independent

• “In the UK, maternal sepsis remains one of the most feared complications of pregnancy and childbirth. Yet millions of women elsewhere are forced to give birth in facilities without clean water, toilets or soap.” — Amaka Godfrey, WaterAid’s Executive Director of International Programmes

The Independent

• “It is unacceptable that women are still exposed to these conditions.” — Sir Mark Rylance, Actor

The Independent

• “Aside from its urgency and importance, this campaign is so worth getting behind because its aims are achievable, they truly are, and when achieved will have the most dazzlingly marvellous impact all around the world.” — Sir Stephen Fry, Actor

The Independent

The findings underscore a critical public health crisis in sub-Saharan Africa, where inadequate maternity care leads to preventable deaths. The call for action from WaterAid and its supporters highlights the urgent need for global attention and investment to ensure safe childbirth for all women.

The Independent