Excessive bleeding after childbirth is the number one cause of maternal deaths worldwide. But, there is a solution. Hadiza Galadanci found an answer after saving her cousin’s life during a near-fatal postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Half of the women who have PPH are never diagnosed because health workers often struggle to determine how much blood loss is too much. The solution, however, is “shockingly straightforward”: a plastic sheet and pouch placed under a mom to collect blood, helping health workers measure the collected blood quickly and accurately. This simple tool is transforming care in Nigeria and beyond, bringing us closer to a world where all women have healthy pregnancies, healthy deliveries, and healthy babies. What other innovations does the world need so all moms and their children get a safe start?
The education and knowledge they need of pros and cons being pregnant. I dealt with male doctors and female nurses and midwives through my pregnancy journeys in both China and the U.K., and the gap in empathy levels surprised me. Male doctors I dealt with understood female bodies via textbooks and classrooms and were good at presenting reports. Nurses and midwives are more understanding towards me and the fetus's development path. I hope this has changed a bit. 🤞 The future mums are super welcome to enjoy the joy of “brewing” a new life, but equally, they need to learn the risks with a less fearful approach. So when they are experiencing the downs and negatives, they are mentally prepared, and the delivery room feels like a battlefield. I was so lucky to have some great midwives in Shanghai when I gave birth to my son and welcomed my daughter in the U.K. 🍀🫶
This is an excellent and practical solution to avoid hypovolemic shock especially in rural communities with little or no infrastructure where estimation of post partum blood loss is a big issue.
Both WHO and FIGO recommend misoprostol for developing countries in relation to postpartum hemorrhage. It does need refrigeration, it is not costly, and has proven efficacy.
This is an incredible innovation by Hadiza Galadanci! The fact that a simple plastic sheet and pouch can save lives by helping healthcare workers accurately measure blood loss is a game-changer for maternal health. It’s so inspiring to see how a straightforward solution can have such a profound impact, particularly in regions where maternal mortality rates are high due to complications like postpartum hemorrhage. In addition to innovations like this, I believe we need more solutions focused on early detection and prevention. For example: 1. Portable diagnostic tools for monitoring vital signs and blood pressure could help in detecting complications like early preeclampsia. 2. Improving access to skilled birth attendants in underserved areas could drastically reduce maternal deaths by ensuring that women receive the care they need before, during, and after childbirth. 3. Enhanced maternal education programs to ensure women and families are informed about potential complications and the importance of timely medical care. 4. Affordable and accessible blood banks in rural areas would ensure that lifesaving resources are available when needed most. Let’s keep pushing for more accessible, affordable, and life-saving innovations.
Merci d’avoir partagé
I agree
Such a crucial healthcare insight to save women’s lives.
Why does gates foundation never interest in building real safty homes and food 4 this group poor people and children and only thinking about vaccins? Not only 1 time they respons my idea to build somting for children without parrents without 2 pay for the ground.
Paralegal & Compliance Associate
1wFully agree