Local Prenatal Health in a Global Context
Peru has among the highest rates of infant mortality and maternal mortality during childbirth in Latin America.
In turn, the department of La Libertad, which includes the Moche Valley, has the highest rate of maternal mortality in Peru. Leading causes of death like preeclampsia are largely preventable if diagnosed and treated during routine prenatal checkups.
Dra. Campos, the obstetrician at the clinic in Menocucho, brought up this sobering fact during a meeting for our upcoming prenatal classes. Despite Dra. Campos’ evident devotion to her patients and the proximity of the clinic to many valley communities, a striking number of women do not receive potentially life-saving prenatal care. The most important barriers to care are economic: few families can afford the short combi ride down the valley, let alone the fees for consults, vitamins, and medications.
Our meetings at the clinic and our health assessment surveys have reiterated the local need for better information about prenatal health. Since we cannot hope to address the issue of affordable care during our time here—a symptom of a broader, systemic problem—the classes will focus on how women can take charge of their own health and that of their families, in addition to the vital importance of monthly prenatal checkups.
Healthcare in Peru is subsidized, but not free, so patients must pay out-of-pocket for services at public hospitals and clinics. The government has resisted privatizing the health sector, but austerity measures imposed by international financial institutions like the IMF undercut funding for social services. External financial obligations prevent the state from providing its citizens with basic needs like clean water and primary care.
Our global political economy systematically undermines health, favoring corporate welfare over social justice by leveraging poor countries’ debt for private gain. The struggle for change needs the voices of those most deeply exploited by this system demanding justice for their families and communities. That means healthy moms and healthy babies.
