Women of Tanzania

Last night Esther lost the baby.

At 35 weeks of pregnancy we arrived in the States for furlough and I promptly went to the doctor's office. The nurse handed me a form to sign giving permission to request my records from Tanzania. Carson and I both laughed out loud. If you could only see the records office at the hospital where I went for prenatal care you would laugh with us. I then told the nurse that I had only been to the doctor 3 times anyway. She was shocked and asked if that was normal in Tanzania. I said not at all. I imagine most Tanzanian women don't go to the doctor at all during their pregnancies unless they have some problem, especially in rural areas.

When Jude was past due (the last 2 weeks of my pregnancy) I was in the office twice a week getting ultra sounds and stress tests to make sure he was ok. At the time it seemed a bit excessive, especially the stress test, which involved something hooked to my stomach, loud music, loud tv, and drinking water all at the same time. Maybe it was excessive, but it was certainly worth it to know that he was ok.

Check out these statistics from the World Health Organization:

Neonatal Mortality Rate (babies dying under 28 days of age)

Tanzania- 32 per 1,000 live births. (2003-2004)

U.S.- 5 per 1,000 live births. (2001)

Maternal Mortality Rate (deaths related to childbearing)

Tanzania- 578 per 100,000 live births. (2003-2004)

U.S.- 14 per 100,000 live births. (2006)

I don't know exactly what happened with Esther. I don't know if it was preventable. I wish I could tell you that the fact that she lives in Geita, Tanzania instead of Anywhere, U.S.A. is not the reason that she lost her baby. But, I can't. I think the hospital did the best they could, but I hope for a day when they can do even more for women like Esther.

Today I ask you to continue praying for Esther and her family, but add to it the women of Tanzania and their need for better healthcare, specifically prenatal care.