The closest health facility was 17 kilometers away from the village where she lived in the Central African Republic CAR. Usually the only options are to walk, or wait, and hitch a ride on a passing car.
Marie was able to go by motorbike, but this was a risky choice that could have further triggered contractions. By the time Marie arrived at the maternity ward in the district of Boda km southwest of the capital, Bangui she was experiencing strong contractions, but her cervix was taking too long to dilate.
There were signs of fetal distress. This was putting her unborn child at risk of oxygen deprivation and Marie at risk of damage to her uterus. Given the risk to Marie and her unborn child, the midwife on call, Dorcas, admitted Marie into the hospital, where she underwent an emergency Cesarean section.
Unfortunately, not all pregnancies have the same happy ending. The Central African Republic has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world - deaths per , live births. There are less than two licensed midwives per 10, people. Due to the far distances that some women live from the nearest health center, many try to give birth at home. If a complication arises, it is often too late to get help.
For those that go to a clinic to give birth, few structures are well-equipped to handle complications, such as hemorrhaging, and lack the ability to perform surgical procedures, such as C-sections. The high rate of teenage pregnancy puts young girls at an increased risk of complications. Sometimes these young mothers are saved at the last second, but more likely, if the birth isn't going well So more centers for C-sections are vital for pregnant women's survival. To help more women give birth safely and successfully, ALIMA medical teams are supporting 3 local healthcare facilities in Boda and the district hospital.
