Adaptation of NASG Materials for WHO Toolkit for Humanitarian Settings

-
Investigator: Suellen Miller, PhD, CNM, MHA
Sponsor: World Health Organization (WHO)

Location(s): Tanzania

Description

Severe bleeding or hemorrhage accounts for nearly a quarter of all maternal deaths globally. In areas of the world where skilled maternal health care is not available or is inaccessible, a woman faces the risk of death or disability every time she becomes pregnant. However, if pregnancy-related complications—like those that cause hemorrhage—are treated appropriately and in a timely manner, almost all of these deaths and injuries can be prevented.

The Women’s Refugee Commission (WRC) con-ducted a field mission to Tanzania to document the implementation of the NASG  and to look at the potential of including the garment in humanitarian response. There are several benefits to using the NASG in conflict- and disaster-affected areas. This simple technology is:

Nonconsumable:  Does not need to be resupplied often 

Safe and effective:  In development settings, and stable refugee camp setting.

Accessible: Poor access to facilities and skilled personnel are among the most challenging barriers in crisis-affected settings. The NASG buys time for women facing PPH and hypovolemic shock.