Niger's Famine Increases Miscarriages and Premature Births
Famine or no famine, women are giving birth in Niger every day. For every million people affected by natural or civil emergencies, some 600 births per week can be expected. In times of great stress and trauma, a high number of premature births and miscarriages are likely to occur. The situation is complicated by cases of coerced sex leading to pregnancy, and the related injuries and psychological trauma. UNFPA, one of the many agencies assisting in Niger, provides obstetric care and supplies.
The United Nations estimates that 3.6 million people, out of a total population of 12 million, have been affected by the famine. Pregnant and lactating mothers are among the groups considered most at risk, with more than 261,000 women in need of emergency care. According to reports from the Niger office of UNFPA, pregnant women are at risk of giving birth without any medical attention or equipment for emergency obstetric care. Low levels of vitamin A, folate and iron can profoundly affect pregnant mothers and their infants, resulting in low birth weight babies, hemorrhage, sepsis during childbirth and, in severe cases, infant and maternal deaths.
Niger already has one of the highest maternal death rates in the world. Its women have a 1 in 7 lifetime risk of dying of pregnancy-related causes. Making sure that pregnant and lactating women receive adequate nutrition with essential vitamins and minerals can reduce maternal death, birth defects, childhood mortality, blindness, anemia and vulnerability to infections. Eliminating malnutrition in mothers can reduce disabilities in their infants by an estimated one third.
"We know that during a humanitarian emergency, like we are now facing in Niger, pregnant and lactating women and their children are particularly vulnerable," said Marlène François Lays, UNFPA’s Representative in Niger. "UNFPA is using food distribution sites as a means to reach these women to ensure they have healthy pregnancies and safe deliveries. We are working with the government, other United Nations agencies and NGO partners to make sure that women have access to health care during this food crisis."
Only last month, UNFPA and the government of Niger signed a financial agreement to provide about $100,000 to help pregnant and breastfeeding women in Zinder and Agadez, two of the most badly affected regions in the country. Women visiting health centers will receive mosquito nets to prevent malaria, which can cause severe anemia in pregnant mothers and contribute to low birth weights among newborn babies. Basic delivery kits, which include the bare minimum of supplies necessary to ensure safe deliveries are also being distributed.
Under the agreement, 274 tons of cereals, 75 tons of pulses and 19 tons of cooking oil will be supplied as well as folic acid, iron and vitamin A supplements. The Ministry of Health, at both the regional and local levels, and partnering NGOs will distribute the supplements.
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