Day 4 Reflection from Jessica on Maternal Health

I am honored to be among this group of 12 strong women and the amazing World Vision staff leading our way here in Zambia. As each of the staff members explain in more detail the work they are doing and the impact it has on the local community, I am struck by the synergies that our groups' individual passions share with the World Vision initiatives in WASH. From empowering women to reach their full educational potential to facilitating women's micro loans and savings groups to preventing child abuse and rape....we each have personal causes that pull at our heartstrings. For me that personal cause is improving maternal health and preventing maternal death and morbidity.

In July of 2010, 8 days after giving birth to my second son, I experienced a severe postpartum hemorrhage. Unknown to all of us was the silent uterine atony I had been experiencing after giving birth...a condition where the muscles of the uterus fail to contract properly after delivery. The onset of my bleeding came without warning and happened so fast that it is only because of my close proximity to a hospital and the immediate medical care I received that I am a survivor. In a very short period of time I lost 80% of my blood and as in most hemorrhage situations every minute counts. It is only by the grace of God, 3 surgeries and numerous blood transfusions that my life was saved. Unfortunately this is not the outcome for many women around the world. In fact, a woman dies every 2 minutes as a result of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. If I had lived in any of the remote village communities here in Zambia I would not be alive today.

Beyond the horrific fatal outcome of the maternal victim is the extended and immense loss for her family and community. The death of a mother has a rippling affect. Who will care for the children? Who will fetch the water? Who will provide income for the family if the father has to care for the children? Who will sacrifice going to school to care for their siblings? Roles and responsibilities must be shifted to account for the central nurturer's void. These are questions no father, child or family member should ever have to contemplate.

World Vision is addressing these needs through improving prenatal care and educating women on the importance of giving birth in a medical facility. To date the Kapululwe Area Development Program where we are currently involved has achieved a 70% increase in the number of institutional deliveries vs. at home births where risk and complications are much higher. Bringing a clean and sustainable water supply to the community is paramount to maternal health. Clean water transforms lives and brings dignity to a community. I love the words of Proverbs 31:25 which say "She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future." My prayer is that all of the women here in Zambia would experience dignity and strength during pregnancy and childbirth and that they too would have an abundant future filled with laughter, joy and meaning as mothers and strong women.

-Jessica