Where Giving Birth is Deadly

The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the most dangerous countries in the world in which to conceive. Over her lifetime, a Congolese woman faces a one in 24 chance of dying from complications of pregnancy or childbirth, according to a new report by Save the Children. AllAfrica visited the capital, Kinshasa, to take a close look at the poor state of maternal health in the country.
  • Congo-Kinshasa:  Where Giving Birth Is Deadly

    allAfrica, 8 May 2012

    Her limbs flaccid, her eyes wide with fear and pain, Théthé's cries seem oddly detached from her body, as if part of her isn't lying on a brown vinyl mattress, slick… Read more »

A 33-year-old woman at a clinic in the capital, Kinshasa, holds her second set of twins. She has seven children total.

Photo Essay

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    Maternal Health in Kinshasa, May 2012

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    Kavita Masenga is the head nurse in the maternity ward at Kinshasa General Hospital. It once hosted the largest maternity ward in all of sub-Saharan Africa, with up to 150 births a day. Patients came ... see more »

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