In Tigray, the conflict has severely impacted the healthcare system, with only 3 percent of health facilities fully operational since the conflict began. This has led to a significant increase in maternal mortality rates, with over 80 percent of mothers dying outside of health facilities due to preventable causes like bleeding.
The Regional Health Bureau’s study shows that most deaths are caused by these preventable factors, which is particularly concerning given that Tigray had fewer than 200 maternal deaths per 100,000 births before the conflict. Now, the average is 840, significantly higher than maternal mortality rates in Germany and Austria.
The limited transportation and unaffordable costs have made it difficult for women in Tigray to access healthcare during pregnancy and labor. Even when they do reach a health facility, they may not receive the care they need due to a lack of supplies. Kahsa and her women’s leadership group are working towards improving these conditions for mothers in Tigray.
