The primary objective of the SMRU MCH program is to reduce the maternal mortality rate (MMR). A large reduction in MMR was obtained since 1986 and the weekly ANC malaria screening. Then there was a further reduction in mortality by providing safe delivery by trained midwives. But more remains to be done since MMR in Myanmar and in the migrant population is still high. Since the Covid pandemic, SMRU has been conducting outreach ANC to allow better access to antenatal care, and approximately 3000 women deliver annually in our clinics.
We have numerous studies on the treatment of malaria in pregnancy, as well as the impact of malaria on the mother and the fetus, were conducted. SMRU documented for the first time, the impact of P. vivax malaria in pregnancy as well as the impacts of malaria and the artemisinin derivatives in the first trimester.
SMRU is assessing maternal and neonatal health outcomes, including prenatal care, childbirth practices, and postnatal care. It is responsible for writing the obstetrical guidelines for the medical teams on the border.
SMRU is also implementing interventions to improve maternal and child health, including vaccination programs and nutritional deficiency as well as birth control measures.
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