Factors That Affect Maternal Mortality in Rwanda: A Comparative Study with India and Bangladesh

Abstract

Healthcare sector is one of the most pivotal pillars of the administrative setup of a country. It addresses one of the most important dilemmas that countries have to face: provision of quality healthcare to public in affordable prices. Africa lags behind in many health indicators. One of the contemporary health issues faced by countries, especially for those in sub-Sahara countries, is maternal mortality rate (MMR). It has had a significant part to play in the social conditions of the population and needs immediate attention. In spite of many years of civil war and the terrible genocide in the mid-1990s, as of late, Rwanda is showing signs of improvement in healthcare sector. This research is aimed at studying the current state of maternal mortality rate in Rwanda and the factors behind its performance, in a comparative study with India and Bangladesh for a cross-section of time mainly between 1990 and 2015. After a literature review, pivotal indicators that affect healthcare are shortlisted and a comparative analysis of the three countries is made on the basis of these indicators. A regression is run between historical MMR data and these indicators. A directly significant relationship is found between MMR and healthcare expenditure per capita and government commitment to health, closely followed by female literacy and healthcare infrastructure.

Incidence and characteristics of maternal mortality: a retrospective study in Dhaka medical college

“…Globally, factors contributing to mortality include limited access to quality healthcare, socioeconomic disparities, and medical complications during pregnancy and childbirth. 8 In Bangladesh, these factors are compounded by specific challenges such as high adolescent pregnancy rates and low utilization of maternal newborn and child health (MNCH) services. 6 Socioeconomic determinants, such as a woman's educational level, income, and access to media, significantly influence the utilization of antenatal care services in Bangladesh.…”

Inequalities in adequate maternal healthcare opportunities: evidence from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017–2018

“…For instance, the WHO reports that in 2017, nearly 810 women died each day as a result of preventable pregnancy and childbirth-related complications 6. In the case of Bangladesh, the rate of maternal deaths had declined by 40% between 2001 and 2010, from 574 to 200 deaths per 100 000 live births, with an annual diminishing rate of 5.9% 7. If this trajectory of decline continues, then Bangladesh may not be able to achieve the 3.1 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which envision to reduce maternal deaths to 70 per 100 000 live births.…”

“…6 In the case of Bangladesh, the rate of maternal deaths had declined by 40% between 2001 and 2010, from 574 to 200 deaths per 100 000 live births, with an annual diminishing rate of 5.9%. 7 If this trajectory of decline continues, then Bangladesh may not be able to achieve the 3.1 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which envision to reduce maternal deaths to 70 per 100 000 live births. However, the country may be closer to achieving the SDGs if there is equity in the accessibility and utilisation of maternal healthcare services.…”

Influencing factors associated with maternal delivery at home in urban areas: a cross-sectional analysis of the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017–2018 data

“…Despite increased worldwide attention in recent years on the essential need to address unmet health needs of pregnant women and children, significant progress in reducing maternal mortality has been noticed as sluggish [ 14 ]. Bangladesh, Nepal, India, and Honduras show significant progress in reducing maternal mortality rates through effective health plans and government commitment [ 15 ]. Every day, 800 women die from avoidable causes linked to pregnancy and delivery, according to the World Health Organization, with emerging nations accounting for 99 percent of all maternal fatalities [ 5 ].…”