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Mothers' lives hang on water access
16 Mar
Summary
- Mothers and newborns risk infections without clean water in facilities.
- Campaign urges leaders for clean water at health centres globally.
- Millions die annually from childbirth infections, preventable with basics.
A critical global initiative, 'Time to Deliver,' is campaigning for universal access to clean water and sanitation in health facilities worldwide. The campaign, supported by public figures, stresses that every two seconds, a woman gives birth in an environment lacking essential hygiene, putting both mother and newborn at risk.
Infections linked to childbirth are a leading cause of preventable deaths, with over a million mothers and babies succumbing annually. Health workers emphasize that basic infrastructure like clean water for handwashing and instrument sterilization could drastically reduce these tragedies. The campaign calls on leaders to prioritize these needs at the upcoming UN Water Conference.
Campaigners highlight that aid cuts in several countries exacerbate the risks, leaving vulnerable populations more exposed to health crises. Mothers describe the agonizing fear of childbirth in unclean conditions, fearing for their survival and that of their newborns due to lack of water.
Ultimately, the 'Time to Deliver' campaign seeks political will to fund necessary infrastructure, including clean water systems and safe toilets. This investment is crucial for providing dignified and safe maternal care, a fundamental right for every woman.
