THE ISSUE
Sub-Sahara Africa has the highest maternal and child mortality ratio in the world, more than half of the 7.6 million annual under five deaths and over 358000 annual maternal deaths occur in sub-Sahara Africa with women having 1 in 31 chance of dying from pregnancy related causes (UNICEF 2009). With the high and continuous increase in maternal and infant mortality in Africa, it is unfortunate that Africa is still the Region that marks the slowest progress achievement of SDG 3 & 5. Cameroon is ranked 18th out of the 20 countries In the world with the highest mortality for children under 5 which stands at 148 per 1000 live births while maternal mortality stands at 670 per 100,000. Despite the efforts being made by international bodies, social organizations and Government, maternal and child mortality is constantly on a rise in Cameroon. This is so because women who are at the focal point are highly neglected, violated, undermined and neglected.
Women in Cameroon still find it difficult to meet their antenatal needs during pregnancy, lack of basic necessities during or after childbirth, poor feeding and constant involvement in strenuous activities during pregnancy as a result of poverty. For maternal and infant mortality to successfully reduce in Cameroon, women need to be economically empowered. An economically empowered woman is a strong and independent woman who can ensure her wellbeing and that of her child.
When a woman is economically empowered, she is able to stand up to her husband without fear especially about family planning every woman has the right to determine the size of the family she wants, she is capable to cater for her needs and that of her child, attend regular checkup as she deems necessary and above all eat healthy because she if financially independent. Most importantly, to successfully reduce maternal and child mortality, we have to break every stereotype surrounding maternal and child mortality in Cameroon through awareness sensitization campaigns and education.
WHY DOES THIS MATTER
HMHC focuses on solutions to long lasting problems; we bring diverse voices together to work at reducing maternal and child mortality, promote female economic empowerment and above all stand for the rights and wellbeing of women and children. We educate, train, build capacities, share experiences and create networks that go a long way to transform the lives of women and children leaving them to successfully and joyfully thrive. Research has successfully proven that the happiness, health and wellbeing of women and children is undeniably the focal point of success and sustainability in every society and are key factors in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by world leaders in 2015 and the Agenda 2030. Â Considering the fact that happy, healthy and successful women and children make successful and Sustainable societies, when we invest in their wellbeing, right and health, we are in-turn helping to build successful economies and create prosperity hence ensuring political stability and social harmony and above all supporting them to fully develop.