Many of which are preventable with access to quality care.  

Ahead of the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (PMNCH) is shining a spotlight on the critical health risks that violence against women poses to maternal, newborn, and child health.  

Women who experience violence are 1.5 times more likely to give birth to low-birth-weight babies, a leading cause of infant mortality. Kadie Toura, Communications Lead at PMNCH, explains that intimate partner violence increases the likelihood of complications during pregnancy, such as preterm labour and low birth weight. These factors significantly contribute to newborn mortality rates.  

Additionally, GBV exacerbates challenges in accessing prenatal care, resulting in unsafe deliveries and further health risks. Women affected by violence are also less likely to care for their children adequately, perpetuating a cycle of poor health.

Despite the severity of the issue, Toura says GBV remains under-prioritised, often due to cultural stigma, inadequate data, and a fragmented healthcare system.  

“Addressing this violence is essential, not only as a human rights issue but as a fundamental step towards improving health outcomes for future generations,” she said.

--ChannelAfrica--