Experts call for better access to antenatal care for women
According to the World Health Organization, close to 300,000 women lose their lives due to pregnancy or childbirth each year.
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CAPE TOWN - As the world marks World Health Day this week, experts are calling for better access to antenatal care for women.
According to the World Health Organization, close to 300,000 women lose their lives due to pregnancy or childbirth each year.
The statistic also shows that more than two million babies die in their first month of life, and around two million more are stillborn.
Dr Annamarie Richter, general manager at Netcare Plus, said that access to antenatal care could prevent women from having complications during pregnancy.
"To enhance awareness of the importance of looking after your health and wellbeing, women need easy access to primary healthcare services and antenatal care throughout their pregnancies."
Richter said that having open conversations about women's health would also help.
"We should have support groups and open discussions about our health, but basic primary care will go a long way to promote our health and well-being."