Article Investigating Near-Miss Events

International Journal of Women’s Health

Co-authored by RMF Founder and CEO Dr. Martina Fuchs, along with Fekadu Mazengia Alemu, Dr. Taban Martin Vitale, and Dr. Mergani Abdalla Mohamed Salih, "Severe Maternal Morbidity (near-miss) and its correlates in the world’s newest nation: South Sudan" was recently published in the _International Journal of Women’s Health. The paper analyzes the frequency and causes of near-miss events at RMF-supported Juba Teaching Hospital, recorded through a cross-sectional study conducted from from March 20 to June 12, 2016.

This original research and peer-reviewed article are part of RMF’s efforts to raise awareness of South Sudan’s high maternal mortality rate and build long-term solutions to save mother’s lives.

The article concludes:

The near-miss rate was high. Contributing factors were lack of resources, low quality of primary health care, and delays in care. All near-misses should be regarded as opportunities to improve the quality of maternity care. Health institutes should address delays in conducting interventions, referral barriers, and personnel gaps. Fully functional intensive-care units must be created in all facilities, including Juba Teaching Hospital and other hospitals. Notification policies for all near-miss cases should be in place in all health care units, with a “no shame, no blame” approach.

Read the full text below.

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