Key facts
- Pregnant women in eastern Congo are avoiding hospitals.
- Fears of contracting Ebola or being isolated are causing this avoidance.
- Maternal mortality rates have doubled in the region.
- Aid groups describe this as a growing crisis.
- Women are avoiding essential medical care.
Pregnant women in eastern Congo are increasingly avoiding hospitals due to fears of contracting Ebola or being subjected to isolation protocols. This avoidance of essential medical care has resulted in a doubling of maternal mortality rates in the region. Aid groups are warning that this trend represents a significant and growing crisis, as women are foregoing critical services during pregnancy and childbirth.
The fear of Ebola transmission and the potential for isolation are the primary drivers behind pregnant women's reluctance to seek medical attention. This situation is particularly dire in a region already grappling with numerous health challenges and limited access to consistent healthcare.
The consequences of this avoidance are severe, directly contributing to the rise in maternal deaths. Without access to skilled birth attendants, emergency obstetric care, and prenatal check-ups, complications that would typically be manageable are becoming fatal. Aid organizations are working to address this crisis, but the underlying fear and mistrust remain significant barriers to accessing care.