(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Of the 178 countries surveyed the Mena region ranks third among the seven global regions for childrens and maternal well-being - with the UAE coming in at number 52.
Dubai - Throughout the world one day of the year is dedicated to honouring one’s own mother and last week in the UAE mothers across the country were showered with extra love and attention on their Mother’s Day. But in a region fraught by conflict the same can’t be said for all.
Save the Children recently published its 15th annual State of the World’s Mothers report which focuses on millions of women and children living in fragile communities beset by conflict and natural disasters.
Of the 178 countries surveyed the Middle East and North Africa region ranks third among the seven global regions for children’s and maternal well-being - with the UAE coming in at number 52 overall.
Finland was identified as the best place to be a mother while Somalia was identified as the worst.
Speaking to Khaleej Times on Saturday Senior Director of Save the Children (Gulf Area) Soha Ellaithy said ranking is based on an index that calculates a number of different factors. “Lifetime risk of maternal death under-5 mortality rate and gross national income per capita are among these factors. In the UAE the lifetime risk of maternal death is low at one in every 4000 versus Syria where it is one in every 460.”
With Yemen ranking 17th from the bottom on the Index it’s obvious the crisis there has taken its toll and the report notes 700000 children under five and 300000 pregnant mothers are in critical need of health services.
Results of the Mothers’ Index revealed that while some of the countries in the region rank among the lowest on the list globally they have made significant progress in regards to maternal welfare over a decade.
When it comes to maternal welfare Qatar ranks best in region with one in 5400 risking death with the UAE close behind recording one in 4000.
Overall however Saudi Arabia scores the highest points in the region and ranks 38th globally followed by Bahrain at number 50 and Qatar at 51.
“I think this global report is positive for the UAE and as improvements in healthcare and education continue we could see its overall ranking on the list increase over time” said British expat Suzan Holdenstock.
“I am not yet a mother but I feel one thing needs to be changed. The Labour Law stating just 45 days maternity leave. This is not sufficient for a mother to recover after birth. I hope in the future this can be reconsidered” said Dubai-resident Nivyne Hamlili.