Transportation for maternal emergencies in Tanzania: empowering communities through participatory problem solving.
Inadequate health care and long delays in obtaining care during obstetric emergencies are major contributors to high maternal death rates in Tanzania. Formative research conducted in the Mwanza region identified several transportation-related reasons for delays in receiving assistance. In 1996, the Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere (CARE) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began an effort to build community capacity for problem-solving through participatory development of community-based plans for emergency transportation in 50 villages. An April 2001 assessment showed that 19 villages had begun collecting funds for transportation systems; of 13 villages with systems available, 10 had used the system within the last 3 months. Increased support for village health workers and greater participation of women in decision making were also observed.
Schmid
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Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. tls4@cdc.gov
Kanenda
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Ahluwalia
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Kouletio
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D018672:Community Health Planning; D003256:Community Participation; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011209:Power, Psychological; D011247:Pregnancy; D011340:Problem Solving; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012424:Rural Population; D013636:Tanzania; D014187:Transportation of Patients