By Vasinatta Yama – EMTV News, Mt Hagen UNICEF PNG has introduced an innovation method in the form of garment to prevent mothers from bleeding continuously after giving birth. It is called the Non-Pneumatic Anti-shock garment or NAS garment. The garment itself is designed similar to a pair of trousers that are worn and is made of light-weight material that attaches quickly and easily. It is a useful first aid method to control bleeding and divert blood to essential organs of the body to keep the mother alive before being transported to the hospital or clinics. Health workers including doctors, nurses, and midwives from the Western Highlands, Enga and Jiwaka Provinces attended UNICEF’s training on ways to use the first aid method. Clinicians are happy as it will help mothers in the rural areas who are giving birth without the help of a midwife or a nurse. Maternal death and infant mortality rates remain high in the country due to its rugged, remote terrains and often difficult-to-reach rural areas, and UNICEF PNG is among a number of non-Government organisations (NGOs) assisting Papua New Guinea alleviate this major area of concern. Worldwide estimates are that over 300 000 women die every year during or after childbirth and 99% of those happen in developing countries. ]]>
