Saving Mother’s Life

Addressing Barriers To The Use Of Magnesium Sulphate For The Treatment Of Preeclampsia/Eclampsia

Group-115965
Addressing Barriers To The Use Of Magnesium Sulphate For The Treatment Of Preeclampsia/Eclampsia

Key Wins:

  • Development and adoption of training and treatment guidelines/protocols for various cadres of healthcare providers to prioritize magnesium sulphate as the primary treatment for pre-eclampsia/eclampsia
  • National and Provincial Advocacy and Advisory Groups were formed at provincial and national levels, in close coordination and guidance from the Departments of Health, National Lady Health Worker and Maternal and Child Health Programs. The government counterparts, not only supported the process but also led the advocacy advisory groups at all levels.

Project Duration:

2012-2014

Project Brief:

In Pakistan, pregnancy and childbirth complications remain the primary cause of mortality among women of reproductive age, with a maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 276 deaths per 100,000 live births, significantly higher than developed countries. Eclampsia and severe Pre-Eclampsia rank as the third most common causes of maternal mortality in Pakistan. Despite the World Health Organization (WHO) recommending magnesium sulphate as a safe, effective, and cost-efficient treatment for these conditions, its use in Pakistan remains minimal due to various barriers, including lack of demand, interrupted availability, training gaps, dosage calculation complexities, and policy obstacles.

The “Saving Mother’s Life: Addressing Barriers to the Use of Magnesium Sulfate for the Treatment of Pre-eclampsia/Eclampsia” project, funded by the Research and Advocacy Fund under the Department for International Development (DFID), operated from May 2012 to September 2013 across Pakistan’s four provinces and Pakistan Administered Kashmir, as well as at the national level.

The initiative collaborated with leading healthcare professionals, academia, and public health experts to develop comprehensive desk reviews, policy briefs, and training modules for medical practitioners. National and Provincial Advocacy and Advisory Groups were established at various levels with guidance from government health departments, including the National Lady Health Worker and Maternal and Child Health Programs. The project’s materials were disseminated nationwide.he project was first of its kind around the prevention and treatment of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. Following the development of content, the material was endorsed by the Departments of Health, Government of Pakistan and were disseminated across the country.

Project Media: