IN SHORT: There is no data to support the claim of a 4,070% increase in miscarriages and stillbirths as a result of taking the Covid mRNA vaccine. In fact, maternal health experts recommend that pregnant women take the vaccine to prevent life-threatening complications. In a tweet circulating in South Africa in March 2023, Simone Gold, […]
Tag: Pregnancy and Childbirth
Mary Wafula wasn’t new to motherhood. All was bliss until the 9th month after delivery when she discovered she was three months pregnant. The tune changed thereafter. The news of her pregnancy sent her into a dark path of regret and to mask it she stayed within the confines of her home for the first […]
Nairobi — Old Mutual Kenya has increased maternity leave for staff to four months to create a conducive working environment and promote gender equality, among other things. Previously, parental leave was limited to three months. The extension will benefit women who experience child loss (miscarriage) as well as births. “We recognize that the journey to […]
We previously reported that the school in Mamelodi required pregnant learners to stay home until they gave birth A month ago we reported that a Mamelodi school was under investigation over its learners’ admission policy that has since January required pregnant learners to stay home until they have given birth, unless their parents come to […]
Midwifery educator Duncan Shikuku will never forget the day in 2011 when a new mother was rushed into the hospital where he worked, carried by her family. “She was listless and bleeding. Within minutes, we had lost her,” Mr. Shikuku says. “No one should have to tell a family that their loved one has died, […]
*70% of maternal deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa Every two minutes, one woman dies globally during pregnancy or childbirth, a report by United Nations (UN) agencies has revealed. The report, ‘Trends in Maternal Mortality 2000 to 2020,’ which was unveiled at the weekend by the World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United […]
Pregnant mothers living in air pollution hotspots in South Africa risk bearing a child with a congenital birth anomaly; specifically orofacial cleft lip and palate (CLP). This is according to research done by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) in partnership with surgeons, researchers and Operation Smile. The research was presented this month at […]
Nairobi Kenya — Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged development partners to support government efforts to address malnutrition in a bid to avert an increase in mortality rates among expectant mothers and children. Gachagua who spoke on Thursday during celebrations for 45th Lions Day at the United Nation Office in Nairobi said malnutrition presented a […]
Nairobi — Three suspects are in police custody after a botched abortion, leading to the death of a middle aged woman. A police report indicates that the three includes the husband who facilitated payment for the botched exercise are facing murder charges, alongside two suspected quack doctors who conducted the failed operation. Police said the […]
Nimba County — -Health workers in Nimba disclose Over 20 pregnant women reportedly died this year in Nimba County during home delivery, which is said to be on the increase in the county. Several health workers told The NEW DAWN that the prevalence of home delivery in various towns and villages is because of lack […]
Nigeria classifies abortion as illegal except under certain medical circumstances. A recent investigation by Reuters news agency has alleged that, since 2013, the Nigerian military has run a secret mass abortion programme in the north-east of the country, where it is at war with the militant Islamic organisation Boko Haram. Ten thousand women were allegedly […]
Botro, Cote d’Ivoire — It is vaccination day, baby cries fill the courtyard of the Botro General Hospital, about 400 kilometres north of Abidjan. Henriette Ouattara, who gave birth a few months ago at the maternity hospital in Botro, has come to have her baby vaccinated. From prenatal consultation to delivery, Ouattara recalls, a dedicated […]
Social movement raises awareness about obstetric violence Embrace, a social movement for mothers who experienced abuses when accessing reproductive healthcare, has launched an awareness campaign. They say violations can be physical, verbal and psychological, and include medically unnecessary and coerced interventions. This neglected form of gender-based violence happens during pregnancy, childbirth and in the postpartum […]
Every third of December, Zimbabwe joins the world in commemorating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). The annual observance of this day was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly with the aim of promoting an understanding of disability issues and mobilizing support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons […]
Across Africa, efforts to reduce the number of women and infants dying in childbirth are set to slow without a substantial increase in investment, the UN health agency said on Thursday. New data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that by 2030 in sub-Saharan Africa, 390 women will die in childbirth for every 100,000 […]
Advocates for Infant and Maternal Hospital for Liberia Monrovia – First Lady Clar Marie Weah remains unbending in her commitment to leading and supporting initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of the underprivileged including women, girls, and children of Liberia. Eagerly wanting to do more despite her numerous impactful and life-transformative interventions including the ongoing […]
The United Nations’ 27th edition of the world population prospects indicator passed 8 billion on Tuesday — 11 years after it passed 7 billion. The United Nations Population Fund, also known as UNFPA, marked the milestone at a conference in Abuja alongside development partners, including women’s groups and nonprofits. Officials said the population growth, despite […]
The National Drug Authority has warned members of the public of a Chinese contraceptive pill which is currently on the Ugandan market but causes cancer and infertility among women. According to NDA, the unauthorized Chinese pill is being sold on black market and used as a contraceptive with its packaging, labeling and patient information leaflet […]