Perinatal Monitoring to Reduce Maternal Mortality in Rural Areas of Guatemala
Since long before the arrival of modern techniques such as sonograms, midwives have played an important role in the experience of pregnant women in their communities. Even today, many pregnant women in rural areas far away from health centers mainly depend on the skills and knowledge of midwives in their communities to monitor their baby’s development from the womb until birth. The Wuqu' Kawoq (Maya Health Alliance) Perinatal Monitoring Program is innovative because it complements the skills of midwives with a simple technology in kaqchikel, the native language of the communities. The program provides care for a vulnerable population – pregnant women in rural Mayan communities – and allows for detecting at-risk cases that require hospital care. In addition, the program recognizes the central role of midwives and provides them with training and tools so that they can continue providing the best care in their communities.
Problematic
Despite a significant decline in maternal mortality rates in Guatemala in recent years, the country still has one of the highest rates in the region. The problem is particularly prevalent among women in rural communities and rural Mayan communities. In 2019, more than 60 percent of maternal deaths in Guatemala were of Mayan women, due mainly to a lack of necessary prenatal monitoring and control during pregnancy. These deficiencies increase the risk of suffering complications that can be prevented if detected in time. In terms of existing alternatives, only a few technologies have been developed to date in indigenous languages that can help to empower the role of communities during this stage.
Solution
This innovation consists of a mobile application that detects symptoms of complications in pregnancy to ensure that mothers receive timely care. The application is designed in kaqchikel, the native language of the communities, with audio and pictures available on a platform that is easy to use for midwives. The application helps detect at-risk cases that are then referred for hospital care. Midwives receive training in the use of the application and equipment, as well as training on health topics.
Evaluation and Impact
No information available.