Out-swimming the Crocodiles!

I have recently returned from two back-to-back trips to the villages (Eastern and Northwestern Regions) as part of my assessment of maternal mortality. Those who are following our blog will know that one of my current tasks is to help guide the US government project - "Saving Mothers, Giving Life", an ambitious attempt to reduce maternal mortality in four demonstration disctricts by 50% in one year. I have now visited all four disctricts and about 15% of the 96 health facilities and villages. The official maternal mortality rate is 591/100,000, about 500 times higher than in the US. I have so many thoughts and ideas it is hard to know where to start. The most simple summary is that access to a quality facility based delivery is the biggest issue. Of course there is a lot involved in this - roads, vehicles, communication systems, traditional beliefs, trained staff, equipment, safe blood products, etc.
If I could have one wish fullfilled it would be for a comprehensive system of paved roads - this would not only improve health but it would also foster broad economic development, as farmers and small business persons could get products to market. This would also further open up one of Zambia's most valuable resources - national parks. Tourism could help the economy immensely. I would employee Zambians to build the roads, which would also stimulate the local economy (too much aid actually goes right to the donor nations companies and nationals). Given that Zambia is only about the size of the state of Texas and has a stable government, this really is not too tall of an order.

When visiting Lundazi, which includes the Luangwa River Valley (where North and South Luangwa National Parks are located) we were told that during the rainy season about 15% of the population is cut-off from the rest of the district. If a woman needs to get to a health facility she may be placed on a raft and a few strong swimmers will push her across the flooded river beds, always mindful of the crocodiles! Yet these National Parks are considered some of the most beautiful in Africa and have many tour groups operating within their boundaries, tour groups with numerous all terrain vehicles. This seems an obvious opportunity for a public-private partnership. Wouldn't the average European or North American tourist be delighted to know that the company they are using is helping to save the lives of pregnant women?

I also noted so many broken vehicles and equipment - wouldn't it be wonderful if retired (but not tired) people from Europe and North America with skills (mechanics, electricians, medical equipment repair technicians, etc.) considered taking a year or two and volunteering in some of these places - teaching Zambian's some of the skills needed to sustain the equipment - think of the stories one would have for the golf buddies! I remember one of my seminary friends once asking, "where in scripture does it say we should retire from serving?"