Health is an essential component of achieving sustainable development, and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a comprehensive framework to address various global challenges (Kutty, 2020). One of the most critical health-related SDGs is Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Within this goal, Target 3.1 specifically focuses on reducing the global maternal mortality ratio. Maternal mortality remains a significant public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, impacting both the well-being of women and the overall development of societies (Kurjak, 2023). Roughly 529,000 women lose their lives each year due to pregnancy-related reasons, and nearly all (99%) of these maternal deaths occur in developing countries. One of the goals set by the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals was to reduce the maternal mortality rate by 75% by 2015. The causes of maternal mortality encompass postpartum hemorrhage, eclampsia, obstructed labor, and sepsis. Insufficient healthcare and family planning services, combined with limited access to skilled labor and emergency care, are prevalent in many developing nations. Implementing essential emergency obstetric interventions, such as antibiotics, oxytocics, anticonvulsants, manual removal of placenta, and instrumented vaginal delivery, is crucial for enhancing the chances of survival (Nour, 2008)
The importance of addressing maternal mortality cannot be overstated, as it is intrinsically linked to achieving multiple other SDGs. When women face high risks during pregnancy and childbirth, it undermines efforts to eradicate poverty, promote gender equality (Goal 5), ensure quality education (Goal 4), reduce child mortality (Goal 2), and achieve sustainable economic growth (Shpakovskaya, 2022 pp.184-193). Additionally, reducing maternal mortality is vital for promoting women's rights, empowering them to participate fully in society and decision-making processes.
In the South African policy context, addressing maternal mortality has been a long-standing concern due to the country's historical health care challenges. The apartheid era in South Africa not only perpetuated racial inequalities but also led to inadequate access to quality healthcare services, particularly for marginalized populations (Ndinga-Kanga, 2020) . This historical context has influenced the persistence of health disparities and maternal health challenges in contemporary South Africa. Historically, the South African health system was characterized by segregated and unequal care, with black communities being disproportionately affected (Shannon, 2022). Limited resources, lack of skilled healthcare professionals, and systemic discrimination against non-white individuals resulted in significant disparities in maternal health outcomes. The legacy of apartheid's healthcare inequalities continues to shape the present challenges faced by South Africa in reducing maternal mortality rates.
Contemporary South Africa has made considerable progress in improving maternal health outcomes. However, challenges persist, and the country's maternal mortality ratio remains higher than desired. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), South Africa's maternal mortality ratio was estimated to be 119 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2017, indicating an urgent need for further improvement.
To address this concern, South Africa has implemented various policies and strategies aimed at improving maternal health. The National Strategic Plan for Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Women's Health (2012-2016) and subsequent iterations emphasize the importance of strengthening the health system, enhancing access to quality maternal care, promoting comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, and addressing social determinants of health.
The South African government has taken significant steps to address maternal health, but there is still work to be done. Policymakers need to continue developing evidence-based strategies to promote maternal health, reduce disparities, and ensure the well-being of women in South Africa. According to a recent study, maternal mortality in South Africa is closely linked to the social determinants of health, including poverty, unemployment, and inadequate access to healthcare services. Therefore, policymakers should prioritize addressing these social determinants of health to reduce maternal mortality rates further. (Shannon, 2022).
In conclusion, maternal mortality remains a critical issue within the health-related SDGs, specifically Goal 3, Target 3.1. The importance of addressing maternal mortality is crucial not only for improving women's health and well-being but also for achieving broader sustainable development goals. By understanding the historical context and current challenges, policymakers can develop evidence-based strategies to promote maternal health, reduce disparities, and ensure the well-being of women in South Africa. Although South Africa has made significant progress in improving maternal health outcomes, continued efforts are needed to achieve the desired reduction in maternal mortality rates.
References:
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2. Kurjak, A., Stanojević, M. and Dudenhausen, J., 2023. Why maternal mortality in the world remains tragedy in low-income countries and shame for high-income ones: will sustainable development goals (SDG) help? Journal of Perinatal Medicine, 51(2), pp.170-181.
3. Kutty, A.A., Abdella, G.M., Kucukvar, M., Onat, N.C. and Bulu, M., 2020. A system thinking approach for harmonizing smart and sustainable city initiatives with United Nations sustainable development goals. Sustainable Development, 28(5), pp.1347-1365.
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