I came across this article online and the story was also featured on NPR: All Things Considered. It discussed the reality of maternal health in an epidemic as deadly as Ebola. Most of us probably are aware of the effects of this outbreak and the implications it is having on the countries in West Africa. What’s important to remember is that this disease is not only taking lives, but it is causing damage to entire communities, economics, health systems, and much more.<\/p>\n
As most people know, Ebola is transmitted through bodily fluids, including amniotic fluids, vaginal secretions, placenta, and blood, and so can be transmitted very easily through OB and OR cases. Ebola has been stated as a “death sentence” for pregnant women as this article states that “one small study found a fatality rate around 95 percent” (NPR, 2014). Usually the fetus dies before labor or immediately after birth because the virus not only infects mom, but infects the fetus and the amniotic fluid that surrounds the baby.<\/p>\n
As one could imagine, the death of healthcare workers in this outbreak has been significant and even more so with healthcare workers helping with deliveries. Because of this, there is a huge fear and stigma of pregnant women in Ebola infected countries. Many women are refused to be treated at healthcare centers just because of the possibility that they could be infected. As a result, many women are dying due to childbirth or having stillborn babies. Many are not supported at all during their pregnancy. That said, if the virus doesn’t kill them, many times their pregnancy will due to lack of healthcare.<\/p>\n
This among many other healthcare situations are going untreated because of the stigma against Ebola and the fear of the disease. Even if the global community can begin to contain this outbreak, there will be huge repercussions to the communities and health systems in the countries. I believe the more we can educate and spread awareness of these realities, the more we can help to fight this stigma. What do you think about how we can move forward to support these women to get the access to care that they need?<\/p>\n
Doucleff, M. (2014, November). Dangerous Deliveries: Ebola Leaves Moms and Babies\u00a0Without Care. NPR: National Public Radio.<\/em> Retrieved from\u00a0http:\/\/www.npr.org\/blogs\/goatsandsoda\/2014\/11\/18\/364179795\/dangerous-deliveries-ebola-devastates-womens-health-in-liberia<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I came across this article online and the story was also featured on NPR: All Things Considered. It discussed the reality of maternal health in an epidemic as deadly as Ebola. Most of us probably are aware of the effects … Continue reading