Reducing Maternal and Newborn Mortality and Morbidity

BY: .

Assistant Professor at Wolaita Sodo University in Ethiopia, Dr Mihiretu Alemayehu Arba graduated with a PhD in Public Health for his ground-breaking study on effective coverage of emergency obstetric and newborn care services in Wolaita Zone, southern Ethiopia.

He was supervised by Dr Nelisiwe Khuzwayo.

The first of its kind, the study points to low coverage of these services, as well as sub-optimal service quality, indicating that women and their newborns received inadequate care, and healthcare providers did not consistently adhere to standard clinical procedures. This raises the need for the health system to address these obstacles. 

Arba is committed to promoting Ethiopians’ health and well-being, with a particular focus on maternal and child health. He has an impressive publication record in his field. 

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini