The Public Health and Medical Informatics in King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences held a seminar about Reproductive health on Tuesday, 9th of April 2009.
Guest professor Staffan Bergstrom gave a lecture with the title “Reproductive health FOR all, what does it mean?" at Dr. Sameer bin Huraib Auditorium at the National Guard Hospital in Riyadh. Professor Bergstrom is an active professor in the Reproductive health field, has over 400 published articles and about 150 published books. Furthermore, he is a member of Averting Maternal Death and Disability Program (AMDD).
Professor Bergstrom started the seminar with a simple presentation about the concept of reproductive health which is the complete state of physical, psychological, mental and social safety in relation to the reproductive systems and its functions. It is not only the absence of disease and disabilities that are considered an essential part of the public health which reflects women’s health levels during childbearing age.
Additionally, the historical background of reproductive health was discussed; pointing out that it emerged in countries with high population growth after the perspective of family planning was introduced.
Reproductive health now strives to increase maternal safety through decreasing mortality rates, and maternal and fetal diseases. Such rates reached very high levels which require immediate action in developing countries. He also gave examples of African countries where there have been a number of different studies to detect the death rates and their causes.
Professor Bergstrom also explained that some of the important issues affecting reproductive health are social, cultural and economic factors which have a negative effect compounded by the spread of illiteracy and unemployment. Reproductive problems can’t be prevented or treated in the absence of high quality health services which meet the health needs of the community. Additionally, the related behaviors such as marriage, child birth and family matters control complex aspects e.g. cultural, biological, psychological and social factors.
Professor Bergstrom concluded his lectures by presenting simplified solutions to raise the level of reproductive health and decrease the mortality rates. By spreading awareness in the community starting in adolescence, conducting studies, collecting information and statistics related to mortality rates, maternal and fetal diseases will help to alleviate these health issues. In the region there are no accurate studies with lower rates compared to developing countries.
In addition, it was mentioned that training of highly qualified midwives is one of the best solutions that will contribute to reducing the mortality rates. However, the shortage of human resources creates obstacles in most regions.