ASIA/CAMBODIA -Too many women die during childbirth

Kraing Kaok (Agenzia Fides) - The women of the village of Kraing Kaok, Cambodia, fear of dying during childbirth. The Asian country records the highest maternal mortality rates in the region. According to UN estimates, five of them die every day. Public health experts attribute the phenomenon to the lack of midwives, the precariousness of health centers, the high cost of services offered and the inexperience of staff in rural areas, where the rate is three times higher than in urban areas. Since 1997, every 100,000 live births there are 461 maternal deaths. The small number of midwives and skilled health personnel in hospitals and health centers contributes to worsening the situation in rural areas, where about 85% of the population live. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 40% of births in Cambodia are not assisted by competent staff that, in cases of emergency, could save many lives. The Government is committed in the opening of 1,600 health centers across the country, with two midwives in each of these. Currently there are only a thousand. What makes the situation of many women even worse is the high cost of health services in the country, where one third of the population lives on the poverty line. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 05/05/2011)