Saving Mothers Research Team (SMRT)

No woman should die giving life. Every child deserves a chance to live.

The World Health Organization states that a woman dies every minute from childbirth and pregnancy- related complications. The two major causes of death are postpartum hemorrhage (excessive bleeding after birth) and infections. Children are another vulnerable population. Approximately 10 million children under five years of age die in low and middle-income countries. Children under a month old (neonatal) are at the highest risk of death with the three major causes being preterm birth, birth asphyxia and infections.

Fortunately misoprostol, an off-patent, heat-stable, low-cost and effective drug, can combat postpartum hemorrhage. By researching misoprostol and the market distribution of the drug, we can understand how best to help prevent mothers' deaths. In addition, by distributing birthing kits that can promote clean, hygienic deliveries, we can decrease the risk of infections in both the mother and the baby.

Projects:

* Saving Mothers' Research Network: Misoprostol is a drug that can prevent and treat postpartum hemorrhage. Because the drug is off-patent, there is a lack of information regarding women's access to this life-saving drug. We are forming a research network to study the formal and informal distribution of misoprostol in developing countries. The data collected will be used to lobby countries to register this cheap, heat-stable, off-patent drug for postpartum uses.

* Birthing Kits: Sierra Leone has the highest maternal and child mortality rates in the world. Since infections (primarily sepsis) are one of the leading causes of these fatalities, it is important to promote clean and hygienic deliveries. Unfortunately, for many of these women, the formal health care system is not an option. Thus, 80% of the births are performed at home. This semester, we are going to make and distribute clean delivery kits in rural Sierra Leone.

Project mission:

The goal of Saving Mothers Research Team is to reduce maternal deaths worldwide by researching the obstetric use of misoprostol for the prevention and/or treatment of PPH complications during pregnancy and childbirth. The organization also strives to spread awareness of maternal mortality and morbidity as well as participate in projects that promote women's health around the world.

Potential impact:

*Reduce maternal deaths worldwide by researching and promoting the obstetric use of misoprostol for the treatment of PPH complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

*Prevent maternal and neonatal death through the promotion of hygenic births.

*Allow greater access to medical supplies by gathering and donating supplies to rural clinics.

Required resources:

1. Total project needs: $10,000
2. In-kind contribution needs: medical supplies, supplies for birthing kits, frequent-flyer miles, technical assistance from individuals or groups involved in, but not limited to: international business, social entrepreneurship, pharmaceutical initiatives, international development

Project page URL:

• http://www.savingmothers.org