Positive results in Malawi

We have just received further news from Dowa district in Malawi

This is where 10 eRanger Ambulances have been providing vital rural emergency maternal referral transport since July 2005 as part of a Dowa District Health Office’s comprehensive Safe Motherhood Program.

The maternal mortality ratio, as calculated by the Malawian Ministry of Health, for Dowa district 2007-08 stands at 193 deaths per 100,000 live births. This figure shows further reductions in Dowa’s maternal mortality that has been witnessed since the eRanger Ambulances began service in 2005.

The chart highlights the downward trend being seen in maternal mortality ratios in Dowa.

Whilst the reductions cannot be solely attributed to the inclusion of eRanger Ambulances as rural emergency maternal referral transport, it is clear that the eRangers are playing a critical role towards improving maternal health access, utilisation and building stronger referral systems in rural health care.