On January 26, 2004, around 7:00 p.m. at the University Hospital of Yaoundé – Cameroon, Mrs. EKINDI PATOU ABIBA was abruptly snatched from life by a sudden eclampsia, despite the surgical intervention that had allowed the baby to be extracted safe and sound a few days earlier. Similar cases are common throughout the world, as statistics show that approximately 511,000 women die each year from pregnancy-related causes, particularly in developing countries, which account for more than 90%.
Also, the recent insufficiencies related to the distance and the restriction of places in the maternity hospitals in France, come to demonstrate in more than one way that the maternal question also concerns the countries of the North.
The action program of the present organization aims mainly at promoting a better follow-up of the pregnant woman during pregnancy, during and after childbirth. It also aims to bring society to pay more attention to pregnant women in public and private spaces. The implementation of this program requires the combined efforts of all social actors, namely: governments, international organizations and civil society, which should all work together to reduce maternal mortality to a more than insignificant level.
This action responds to the provisions of Article 25 paragraph 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of December 10, 1948: “Motherhood and childhood have the right to special care and assistance. “
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
A: General goals and objectives
To promote a better follow-up of the pregnant woman during pregnancy, during and after childbirth;
To encourage families to adopt a childbirth preparation plan for the expectant mother;
Reduce the maternal mortality rate to zero;
To contribute to the reduction of early and unwanted pregnancies;
Combat unsafe abortions;
Encourage the spacing and limitation of births;
Promote the proximity and accessibility of health centers to all pregnant women;
Promote the construction and reorganization of obstetric emergencies;
Promote with international organizations the adoption and extension of an international legal framework for the protection of maternal health;
To sensitize men and families on the risks incurred by pregnant women;
To protect pregnant women from all forms of violence;
To help women acquire financial autonomy; to improve the Human Development Index of women;
Encourage the education and instruction of the young girl;
Fight against inappropriate cultural practices among pregnant women;
To improve the quality of service of the medical personnel specialized in Reproductive Health.
B: Specific goals and objectives
To bring society to give priority to pregnant women in public and private spaces;
Promote free caesarean sections, prenatal consultations and other pregnancy-related surgeries;
To bring the legislator to consider the state of pregnancy as a cause of criminal irresponsibility or extenuating circumstances for minor criminal offenses;
Establish a clothing bank for destitute pregnant women. Collecting and distributing free layette in the mother’s aid spaces;
To offer pregnant women all possible methods to facilitate childbirth;
Assist and protect pregnant women in conflict and disaster zones;
Promote a balanced diet for pregnant women in order to prevent risky deliveries;
Encourage the full coverage of pregnancy and childbirth by social security in the most affected countries;
Stimulate medical research on EIS: Bleeding – Infections – Eclampsia;
Develop a specific medical assistance service for obstetrical emergencies [SAMU des accouchements] with a toll-free number;
Supervise traditional childbirth practices, especially in remote areas.
François EKINDI
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