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ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA (February 27, 2009) -- In efforts to increase awareness and access to the life-saving drug misoprostol for the leading cause of maternal death, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), Venture Strategies for Health and Development (VSHD) sponsored a plenary session at the 8th International Scientific Conference of the East, Central and Southern African Association of Obstetrical and Gynaecological Societies (ECSAOGS) in Mombasa, Kenya on February 19, 2009. In keeping with the conference theme, "Millennium Development Goals - Where are we?" the Venture Strategies' plenary brought into focus the important role of misoprostol in achieving Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 5 of reducing maternal mortality by 75% by 2015. Hosted by the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society (KOGS), more than 350 members of professional associations from nine African countries, Canada and Chile attended this year's conference. 

With the Minister of Medical Services of Kenya, Honourable Anyang Nyong'o, in attendance, the President of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Dr. Dorothy Shaw, delivered the keynote address on progress and obstacles to achieving the Millennium Development Goals in health. In reference to MDG 5, Dr. Shaw highlighted the importance of misoprostol being available to women at the community-level where the burden of PPH is greatest.

Chaired by Professor Florence Mirembe, President of ECSAOGS, Venture Strategies' session, "Misoprostol for PPH Management," featured presentations by VSHD colleagues from Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. Drs. Tesfanesh Belay and Amanuel Gessessew each presented on community-based prevention of PPH with misoprostol in Ethiopia, using health extension workers and traditional birth attendants (TBAs) respectively. Dr. Emmanuel Rwamushaija presented on the long-term use of misoprostol for treatment of PPH at the community-level in Tanzania, while Dr. Peter Wangwe presented data from a study comparing misoprostol to oxytocin in active management of the third stage of labor. Professor Richard Lema then presented on the Tanzanian experience of rolling out misoprostol for PPH prevention. Finally, Professor Joseph Karanja concluded with a focus on the correct use of misoprostol in reproductive health. 

The scientific evidence presented on misoprostol raised provocative questions from audience members. In response to questions about the role of TBAs in distribution of misoprostol to women who deliver at home, Professor Lema said, "The TBA is my mother, my sister, the next woman. We cannot ignore the TBAs. They are there when we are not there and they are there when things happen [to women]."

In addition to Venture Strategies' plenary on misoprostol for management of PPH, the first session of the pre-conference symposium for KOGS members included presentations on misoprostol for all obstetric indications, including PPH prevention and treatment, labor induction and treatment of incomplete abortion. The conference also featured panels on safe abortion in Africa, unsafe abortion in Kenya, safe motherhood, HIV/AIDS, cervical cancer and emergency contraception and underscored the important role of professional societies in properly communicating relevant health and drug information to Ministries of Health and the public.

The ECSAOGS conference provided a forum for practitioners to broaden their understanding of the efficacy and use of misoprostol at the community-level as the drug becomes more widely available in the region. In concert with Venture Strategies' facilitation of the drug's registration and inclusion in national guidelines, the support of informed medical professionals will further efforts to expand access for the women most in need.

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