Approximately 830 women die every single day as a result of complications during birth, and another 20-30 return home with a long-term ailment or injury that affects their health. Many of these deaths and injuries are preventable, and they occur primarily in developing nations with minimal access to health care.
When Zubaida Bai, a product engineer that specializes in social enterprise, began to research the problems that mothers face and why the maternal mortality rate is so high in some places, she was shocked. Inspired by her own experience after she gave birth to her son and developed an infection afterwards, she realized that if she had been living in one of these developing nations then there is a chance she could have died.
The biggest contributing factors that lead to maternal and infant mortality are unsanitary medical supplies or environments, as well as excessive bleeding and hypertensive disorders. These cause the deaths of mothers because of a lack of certified health professionals and poor health infrastructure.
Though it’s difficult to change these huge issues because it varies by country, Bai decided to use her skills to put together a small kit that solves some of the problems mothers face when giving birth. She started an organization called ayzh, which is pronounced “eyes” because “our eyes are on the future of women’s health.”
The basic kit features a few products in a biodegradable bag: an underpad to provide a clean birthing space and absorb blood, soap for the nurse, a pair of gloves, a baby wiping cloth, and a surgical clamp and sterile blade for the umbilical cord. This kit runs from $2-5.
Ayzh sells these kits to nonprofit organizations that are working towards improving maternal mortality, who then distribute it to hospitals and health centers where deliveries are performed. Sometimes the kits are given to moms-to-be if they live in areas where women are expected to provide their own delivery room supplies.
The enterprise has so far sold over 100,000 kits in 11 countries and improved and saved the lives of mothers and their babies. In some instances, the kits are assembled in the local communities where they are used, creating opportunities for employment.
The organization has also introduced more kits to help women, girls, and infants, including an essential newborn kit, postpartum kit, and menstrual hygiene kit. The future of the world rests at the hands of women, so it’s only logical that we look out for their best interests and protect and nurture them.
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