Series: Fight for Life
This series has been produced by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in partnership with UNICEF and UNFPA, with funding from the United Kingdom's Department for International Development.
videos
Bangladesh (22 mins 38 secs)
Every year 15,000 women die during childbirth in Bangladesh, where more than 90 per cent of women give birth without a skilled attendant. In order to reduce the high maternal mortality rate the Government, with the support of the United Nations Population Fund, has opened 64 clinics around the country where women are given free 24 hour emergency maternal care.
Bolivia (22 mins 35 secs)
Much of Bolivia's population lives on the Alto Plano plains where the high altitude and infertile soil make it difficult to grow many crops, so their staple diet consists of potatoes, barley, wheat and corn. The lack of adequate protein, vitamins and iron in their diet can lead to anaemia.
India (22 mins 53 secs)
According to the World Health Organisation, every year 136,000 women in India die during pregnancy or childbirth. The Indian Government backed by UNICEF have found innovative, cost-effective solutions to improve maternal health care.
Malawi (22 mins 31 secs)
Due to a shortage of equipment in Malawi the hospitals have to improvise. There are not enough incubators, so premature babies or those that require intensive care are given a cheaper and effective alternative, 'the kangaroo mother care' method.
Mongolia (22 mins 45 secs)
Many rural people in Mongolia are dependent on their herds for income and lead a nomadic lifestyle with a diet consisting of a lot of meat and very few green vegetables. The lack of vegetables results in few vitamins being absorbed and the iron deficiency causes anaemia.
Uganda (22 mins 45 secs)
Every day 15 women in Uganda die during childbirth. The inadequate number of health care professionals and insufficient resources has made the Government look for cost-effective solutions, such as creating bicycle taxis to transport pregnant women to hospitals.
