MATERNAL MORTALITY DECLINES BY ABOUT 60% IN ARMENIA IN PAST FIVE YEARS

Noyan Tapan
Nov 7, 2007

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 7, NOYAN TAPAN. "Mobile Gynaecologist" (since
2002) and "Fast Response Service" (since 2003) programs are being
implemented in Armenia by the United Nations Population Fund. NT
correspondent was informed by Armenia’s deputy representaive to the
Fund Garik Hayrapetian that four ambulance cars with the respective
equipment have been provided to the hospitals of Armavir, Spitak,
Gavar and Artik. Each of the four teams composed of personnel of the
above mentioned medical establishments makes 40-45 visits a year to
remote rural settlements, providing high-quality antenatal services
to 7-10 thousand pregnant women.

The Fast Response Service provides services in response to 30-40 calls
annually. In case of a delivery with complications, the service has
the opportunity to get to any place of the country within two hours
and give immediate medical aid to a woman in labor. In 2007, 6 cases
with a forecast fatal outcome have been prevented.

According to G. Hayrapetian, since Armenia’ independence, the highest
index of maternal mortality – 25 cases was registered in 2000 (this
index makes 15-18 cases in CIS countries). G. Hayrapetian said that
since the start of the indicated programs, maternal mortality has
declined by about 60% in Armenia. 4 women died in childbed this year.