Abstract

HM Sebitloane

According to the latest South African report on confidential enquiry into maternal deaths, obstetric haemorrhage is now the leading cause of direct maternal deaths [1]. This increase in the last report comes in the backdrop of the most welcome reduction in deaths from HIV/AIDS, subsequent to increased access to use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for pregnant women. In the latest report about 60% of these were associated with caesarean sections. Interestingly in the mind of everyone is whether the surgical skills at caesarean sections are deteriorating. However, there has not been any significant deterioration in infrastructure as well as possibly no change in skills transfer.