Why Maternal & Child Health are Important in Haiti

LiveBeyond works hard to help create a difference and make an impact on the health of the mothers, infants, and children of Thomazeau, Haiti. The country as a whole suffers from inadequate access to quality healthcare. In the rural region of Thomazeau, quality medical care was nonexistent prior to establishing the LiveBeyond Hospital. At this point, 100% of the population in our region has access to medical care for their primary care, urgent care, prenatal care, and other healthcare needs.  

Maternal and child health are important to creating strong, healthy communities

According to the WHO, in 2017, 295,000 women died during or after pregnancy. The majority of the deaths(94%) occurred in low-resource areas, and most were preventable. This is a staggering and devastating statistic. That is why LiveBeyond is passionate about helping create healthy communities for women and children! Because much of this death is preventable, and they deserve better health outcomes! 

But with our work in Haiti, we are creating a difference in women’s and children’s lives. The maternal mortality rate in Haiti has steadily increased over the past ten years. Through the Maternal Health Program, the maternal mortality rate in our target area of Thomazeau has dropped by 70% since 2012. Mothers receive prenatal care for the duration of pregnancy and postnatal care for nearly two years, along with their child. This includes routine medical checkups, food, vitamins, and maternal health education before and after each baby is born.

Access to quality care can help combat chronic disease

As stated by the WHO, “The major complications that account for nearly 75% of all maternal deaths are severe bleeding (mostly bleeding after childbirth), infections (usually after childbirth), high blood pressure during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia and eclampsia), and complications from delivery. The remainder is caused by or associated with infections such as malaria or related to chronic conditions like cardiac diseases or diabetes.”

The LiveBeyond maternal health program monitors women’s health during pregnancy to ensure mom and baby stay healthy. We provide proper care for any mom that shows signs of high blood pressure. We provide proper vaccinations, nutrition, and vitamins throughout pregnancy and after birth. The LiveBeyond hospital provides access to a safe & sanitary delivery room so moms are less susceptible to infection after delivery. Our doctors are available 24/7 and are ready to serve moms and babies whenever delivery time comes. 

Early child development affects long-term health 

The CDC states, “the early years of a child’s life are very important for later health and development. One of the main reasons is how fast the brain grows, starting before birth and continuing into early childhood. How well a brain develops depends on many factors in addition to genes, such as proper nutrition starting in pregnancy, exposure to toxins or infections, the child’s experiences with other people and the world.”

To help aid in good long-term health for the children of Thomazeau, we are focusing on providing proper nutrition and access to quality healthcare. We provide the mothers with proper nutrition and vitamins throughout pregnancy for the benefit of both the mother and baby. After delivery, mom and baby continue to receive quality care and nutrition until nearly 2 years. It is imperative to provide children with quality healthcare & nutrition in the early years to ensure optimal long-term health outcomes!

If you would like to help LiveBeyond continue our important work of helping improve maternal and child health and provide access to necessary resources, you can donate HERE.