Introduction
Maternal mortality rates vary widely across the globe, reflecting differences in healthcare systems, socioeconomic conditions, and cultural practices. Two countries that illustrate this contrast are Afghanistan and the Netherlands, whose maternal health outcomes differ dramatically due to distinct social, economic, and medical factors.
Causes Behind the High Mortality Rate in Afghanistan
Firstly, according to the World Factbook provided by CIA (2023), Afghanistan has a maternal mortality rate of 638 per 100,000 live births, which puts it the eighth highest number in the world. The Netherlands has only four deaths per 100,000 live births, with 174th place among other countries (The World Factbook, 2023). There are several reasons for this significant difference, but the primary causes are healthcare access and the country’s economic stability.
Poor Rural Healthcare
There are various explanations behind Afghanistan’s high rate of maternal mortality. Providing proper healthcare services to its population, particularly in rural and remote areas, is one of its primary challenges. Because of the inaccessibility, prenatal care may be delayed or provided insufficiently, which raises the rate of maternal mortality.
Although the country spends 15.5% of its GDP on the healthcare sector, it is still not a sufficient amount for stable access (The World Factbook, 2023). The country has inadequate infrastructure, which delays access to medical services. Most of the region consists of rural areas that are unable to react quickly during emergencies.
Sociopolitical Factors
Religious and cultural issues in Afghanistan, with the rise of the new patriarchal government, positioned women in dangerous situations in which they are not able to get access to healthcare equally or adequately to men. Early marriages and childbirth, which are common in Afghanistan, can raise the risk to a mother’s health. Last but not least, the ongoing hostilities in Afghanistan have severely interrupted healthcare infrastructure and services, making it difficult for pregnant women to get the necessary medical care when they need it.
Reasons Behind the Low Mortality Rate in the Netherlands
Supportive Healthcare System
The Netherlands’ low mortality rate can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, the Netherlands has a robust universal healthcare system that ensures expectant mothers have access to high-quality prenatal care, delivery services, and postnatal support. Thanks to the all-encompassing healthcare system, the maternal mortality rate has significantly decreased. The Netherlands also has comprehensive screening and monitoring programs for pregnant mothers and places a high priority on prenatal care. This proactive strategy lowers the likelihood of maternal death by assisting in the early detection of probable problems and enabling prompt interventions.
Professionalism of Medical Workers
The country has a well-trained and highly skilled healthcare workforce, including midwives and obstetricians, who provide expert care throughout the pregnancy journey. With the presence of experienced professionals, the overall chances of safe deliveries and reduced maternal mortality are ensured.
Benevolent Social Environment
Moreover, the Netherlands enjoys high standards of living, education, and social support systems. These factors positively impact maternal health by providing pregnant women with better access to resources, education, and socioeconomic opportunities. Lastly, the Netherlands has a relatively low fertility rate, which results in more spaced-out pregnancies and less stress on maternal health, as well as Dutch women typically wait longer between pregnancies, which is linked to reduced rates of maternal death.
Conclusion
The maternal mortality rate is a serious healthcare sector issue that should be tackled within each country. Different organizations, such as the WHO, should establish specific standards for all birth-related procedures and enable developing countries to access vaccinations for pregnant women. Other countries and organizations have already followed the given recommendations; however, the number can remain high for unstable economies, such as Afghanistan.
Reference
Maternal mortality ratio (2023). The World Factbook of CIA. Web.