Water Crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa's Maternity Wards

In sub-Saharan Africa, the lack of clean water in maternity wards poses a significant threat to maternal health. At Diah Clinic in Liberia, midwife Shanette Khauala emphasizes that her first task during labor is not to check vital signs but to fetch water from a nearby pond. This delay can jeopardize the safety of both mother and child, particularly during critical moments of delivery. Research from WaterAid highlights that women in sub-Saharan Africa who develop maternal sepsis are 144 times more likely to die than those in more developed regions like Britain, Europe, and North America. Alarmingly, 78% of maternity wards in the region lack functioning toilets, and 66% do not have access to clean water and soap for hygiene.

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The absence of clean water directly affects the quality of care provided to mothers and newborns. After delivery, midwives must again leave patients unattended to fetch water for cleaning and sterilization, increasing the risk of infection and complications. Shanette notes that during the dry season, accessing water becomes even more challenging, requiring multiple trips to the pond. This situation is not unique to Liberia; similar conditions are reported across various clinics in the region, where inadequate facilities hinder the ability to provide safe and effective maternal care.

The Independent

WaterAid advocates that investing in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in healthcare settings could significantly reduce maternal sepsis cases. However, the UK government's overseas aid budget for water and sanitation has seen a dramatic decline, dropping from £206.5 million in 2018 to an anticipated £80 million in 2024. This reduction in funding raises concerns about the future of maternal health initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa, where the need for improved infrastructure is critical.

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Critics argue that the cuts to overseas aid undermine efforts to improve healthcare conditions in vulnerable regions. The lack of investment in essential services like clean water directly impacts the safety and health of mothers and infants. Health professionals, including Shanette, express frustration over the systemic issues that prevent them from providing adequate care. They highlight that without reliable access to water, every aspect of maternal care is compromised.

The Independent

• “If the patient is brought here in labour, the time it takes me to go and look for water, she might deliver and she would need my attention immediately, but I’m not around because I am looking for water,” — Shanette Khauala, Midwife

The Independent

• “After the baby is born, we have to go and get water to clean the place.” — Shanette Khauala, Midwife

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• “If I could have this, I would become a happy woman.” — Shanette Khauala, Midwife

The Independent

The ongoing water crisis in sub-Saharan Africa's maternity wards underscores the urgent need for improved infrastructure and investment in healthcare. Addressing these challenges could lead to significant improvements in maternal health outcomes, ultimately saving lives and enhancing the quality of care for mothers and their newborns.

The Independent