JAMAICA | CMO Concerned over neonatal, infant and maternal mortality rates.

KINGSTON, Jamaica, June 21, 2024 - The Ministry of Health has confirmed concerns raised by Opposition Spokesman on Health and Wellness, Dr. Alfred Dawes, regarding the troubling statistics reported in the Minister’s 2024 Sectoral Presentation concerning neonatal, infant, and maternal mortality rates.

According to the reports disseminated with the Minister’s presentation, there has been a significant increase in neonatal, infant, and maternal mortality rates between the comparative years chosen by the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), Dr. Dawes said. Speaking Thursday at a Ministry of Health press conference, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie expressed her concern over the data.

She noted that several factors have contributed to the rise in deaths among mothers and their babies, including the increase in hypertensive disorders and diabetes during pregnancy. "Our women are choosing to have births later. And as women get older, they are more likely to develop chronic disorders, which put not just themselves but their babies at risk. Additionally, issues related to nutrition are not being addressed as they once were, leading to a higher prevalence of anemia and obesity," Dr. Bisasor-McKenzie explained. She highlighted that one in two persons in Jamaica are either overweight or obese, which negatively impacts pregnancy outcomes.

"That BMI level affects the pregnancy as well, and leads to the development of disorders that result in premature deliveries, smaller babies, and low birth weight babies who have a tendency not to do so well," she warned. Dr. Bisasor-McKenzie assured that the Ministry is actively seeking to address this crisis. "This is not something that is good, and it is a topic of daily discussion as we strategize on how to bring down these numbers. We are working hard to ensure that we do not encounter the same problems year after year."

In responding to Dr. Dawes’ question about the number of functioning ventilators and HDU beds in the public health system, as well as the status of the PROMAC programme, Dr. Bisasor-McKenzie provided an update on the Programme for the Reduction of Maternal and Child Mortality (PROMAC).

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the country had approximately 30 high dependency units (HDUs). These units are specialized wards for patients needing more intensive observation, treatment, and nursing care than what is provided in a general ward but slightly less than what is given in intensive care units (ICUs).

Dr. Bisasor-McKenzie reported that there are currently 118 active ventilators in use across the country. Efforts to increase this capacity have been made at several hospitals, including Mandeville Regional Hospital, St. Ann's Bay Regional Hospital, Cornwall Regional Hospital, and the Bustamante and Kingston Public-Victoria Jubilee hospitals. These expansions have been supported by the PROMAC programme, which has provided additional spaces and resources.

However, she acknowledged that the availability of ventilators is only part of the solution. "Maintenance of the HDU and ICU spaces is dependent on having the staff," she explained, highlighting a critical challenge faced by the healthcare system. Despite the increased number of ventilators and HDU beds, maintaining these facilities requires a consistent and skilled workforce, which has been difficult to sustain.

Dr. Bisasor-McKenzie noted that while the physical infrastructure has expanded, there have been instances where services had to be scaled back due to staffing shortages. "You will find that we expand, and then we contract," she admitted. This cyclical pattern of expansion and contraction underscores the importance of not only building capacity but also ensuring the availability of trained medical personnel to operate and manage these critical care units.

The PROMAC programme has played a significant role in these efforts, particularly in enhancing maternal and child health services. By providing essential resources and improving hospital infrastructure, PROMAC aims to reduce mortality rates and improve overall healthcare outcomes. However, the success of such programs is intricately linked to the ability to maintain a stable and adequately trained healthcare workforce.

Looking ahead, the Ministry of Health is committed to addressing these challenges. "We recognize the problem. It's very glaring for us. We understand the factors that contribute to it, and we are working diligently to mitigate them," Dr. Bisasor-McKenzie emphasized. The Ministry is focusing on comprehensive strategies, including better nutritional support, improved management of chronic diseases, and increased public health education to tackle the root causes of the high mortality rates.

Moreover, the Ministry is also exploring partnerships with international organizations and seeking additional funding to bolster its efforts. The goal is to ensure that every expectant mother and child receives the care they need, regardless of their circumstances. "This is a matter of national priority, and we are committed to making significant improvements in our healthcare delivery," Dr. Bisasor-McKenzie concluded.

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