On the 22 of May, a World Preeclampsia Day event took place at the Ministry of Health in which the severity of this illness was emphasized, making clear that it is the main cause of maternal death.
According to data from the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare, Preeclampsia is one of the most common severe complications during pregnancy (2017). At least 23% of maternal deaths in Paraguay are caused by this condition.
On the morning of the 22ndof May, in commemoration of World Preeclampsia Day, an activity took place at the Ministry of Health with the objective of raising awareness about Preeclampsia as a cause of maternal death as well as the steps that should be taken for its prevention.
According to doctor Diego Núñez, head of Comprehensive Health for Men and Women department at the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare, Preeclampsia is currently the major cause of maternal death above post-partum hemorrhage, above infections and even above abortions which increases among adolescents. “22% of our delivery’s correspond to adolescents, and in this sector, statistics are much higher, also the indigenous population is very vulnerable. In both cases women die mainly due to the complications of Preeclampsia and Eclampsia, which have been constant in the past three years”, said Diego Núñez.
Most deaths by Preeclampsia are avoidable, the Ministry of Health’s recommendation is to follow the protocol for prenatal care, which the Ministry develops through health programs management. Correct medical studies, effective prenatal controls, alongside early detection of Preeclampsia is the key to improving maternal perinatal results.
General Manager of the Juan Rassmuss Foundation, Patricia Abed, stated that positive results can be obtained without expensive diagnostic equipment. “This is the most significative part of our initiative; raising awareness among health professionals, patients and enhancing visibility about the severity of this pathology.
The participants on this event where Patricia Veiluva, Health Programs director and Jorge Sosa, Sexual and Reproductive Health director of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare. Doctor Diego Núñez – head of Comprehensive Health for Men and Women department at the Ministry of Public Health. Lawyer Patricia Abed, in representation of the Juan Rassmuss Foundation.