Effect of Maternal and Infant Health in Underdeveloped Countries

Anecdotal evidence widely suggests that most reported child and maternal deaths occur in developing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, and some parts of Asia. Notably, estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that Sub-Saharan Africa and the Asian region of Afghanistan are the worst affected regions. For instance, maternal mortality rates in Ethiopia are among the highest in the world, ranging from 600 to 700 deaths per 100,000 births. Regrettably, most mothers in these developing countries die mainly due to a lack of access to basic maternity care and professional attendants during labor and childbirth. High child mortality rates harm the economic development of any nation. Specifically, high maternal morbidity and mortality lead to nations’ financial instability, the loss of education opportunities for surviving children, and increased mortality rates among children whose mothers have died. The future of such children is greatly interfered with, which leads to negative economic development. Moreover, continued high levels of maternal morbidity have economic consequences that affect productivity and a country’s gross domestic production (GDP) index. In developing countries, the deaths of women and their infants have a significant psychological impact that tends to affect the economies of these countries negatively. Therefore, the productivity and direct investment of these countries change drastically. This is mainly attributed to the loss of the labor force or the reduced productivity resulting from losing a loved one or poor health in case of the mother’s complications during childbirth. Moreover, the direct costs and expenditures in healthcare associated with these deaths lead to the economy’s slow growth since most money is reallocated to cover the costs of medical services or funerals. Finally, Molla et al. note that maternal mortality and morbidity in Sub-Saharan African countries affect the nutrition and schooling of children. This leads to nationwide and global consequences that extend beyond these developing nations. Additionally, the high rates of child and maternal deaths in developing nations affect their economy and reduce the pace of progression. Specifically, pregnancy-related crises have unimaginable negative impacts on these countries. A good example is Burkina Faso, where maternal mortality is much higher than the average of 120 deaths per 100,000 live births. In addition, Nigeria has an annual productivity loss of over 100 million dollars due to maternal and child mortality and related complications. Based on these startling statistics from developing countries, one can see that maternal and child health should be addressed with immediate urgency.

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