A Growing Concern for Mothers in Rwanda
In Rwanda, maternal deaths from bleeding are one of the main reasons mothers lose their lives during childbirth. Health experts report that 3 in 10 women who die while giving birth are killed by this condition.
Dr. Victor Mivumbi, President of the Midwives Association, explained that this is a serious challenge. He noted that while many of these deaths can be prevented, gaps in the health system continue to put mothers at risk.
Why Bleeding Is Taking Mothers’ Lives
Limited Health Facilities
Dr. Mireille Aime Uwineza from King Faisal Hospital said many women in Rwanda still give birth in health centers that lack enough resources. Some centers do not have enough skilled health workers or equipment to handle emergencies.
She explained that in many cases, after a mother gives birth, she is not monitored closely. Sometimes, signs of bleeding are noticed too late, and by the time she is transferred to a bigger hospital, it can be too late to save her life.
Delays in Emergency Services
Another big problem is the delay of ambulances. When bleeding starts, immediate medical attention is needed. However, if an ambulance arrives late, the risk of death increases.
Dr. Uwineza added that if mothers receive proper care right after delivery, most bleeding-related deaths could be avoided.
What Can Be Done to Save Mothers?
Regular Checkups During Pregnancy
Health officials encourage pregnant women to attend all required medical visits during pregnancy. Regular checkups help doctors detect problems early and prepare for safe delivery.
Strong Follow-Up After Birth
Doctors also say mothers need strong follow-up care not only during delivery but also in the hours and days after birth. Close monitoring ensures that bleeding or other complications are treated quickly.
Rwanda’s Goals to Reduce Maternal Deaths
The Rwandan government has set a goal to reduce maternal deaths to 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. In 2020, the figure was still very high at 203 per 100,000.
To reach this goal, the government has been investing in health services. In 2024, Rwanda provided more than 200 new ambulances to hospitals to speed up emergency care. New maternity facilities have also been built, and existing ones renovated.
Training More Midwives and Health Workers
Health experts believe that more skilled workers are needed. In recent years, Rwanda has expanded medical education programs. According to Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, the number of students training to become midwives has increased by 146%.
The government plans to recruit more than 1,000 additional midwives on top of the 2,000 already in service. This will ensure that more mothers receive proper attention during delivery and after birth, helping to reduce both maternal and newborn deaths.
A Shared Responsibility
Bleeding after childbirth remains one of the leading killers of mothers in Rwanda. Experts agree that the solution requires joint efforts:
- Mothers must attend antenatal care regularly.
- Doctors and midwives must provide strong follow-up after delivery.
- The health system must ensure ambulances and hospitals are ready for emergencies.
If these steps are followed, thousands of mothers’ lives can be saved each year.
