The Problem:

Lack of access to uterotonics to prevent PPH in rural Ethiopia - Ethiopia?s maternal mortality rate is among the highest in the world with 470 deaths per 100,000 live births. Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains to be the leading cause of maternal mortality in developing countries like Ethiopia. The problem is worse in the rural setting where there are not proper facilities and trained health workers to administer injectable uterotonics, which are the standard treatment for PPH. Using community health (health extension) workers (HEWs) or traditional birth attendants (TBAs) trained in the use of easier- to-use technologies could prevent PPH in rural Ethiopia.

Policy options:

1- Community-based delivery of misoprostol by HEWs or TBAs trained in its use; 2- Delivery of oxytocin in Uniject TM injection by HEWs or TBAs trained in its use.