By Tiyiselani Miyambu
The Covid-19 pandemic significantly disrupted maternal healthcare in rural communities, exposing vulnerabilities and resilience in equal measure. A master’s study by Makgake Ziphorah Mohulatsi, a PhD student in social sciences with sociology from the North-West University (NWU), focuses on women’s experiences in Mmabatho during this challenging period. Her findings highlight key lessons for strengthening healthcare systems in the future.
“Access to maternal healthcare has always been a challenge for women in rural areas, but the pandemic amplified these difficulties,” Makgake explains. “Lockdowns, curfews and resource shortages left many women anxious and unsure whether they would receive timely care.”
The study revealed several negative outcomes, including delays in care, limited contact with healthcare providers and an increase in complications during pregnancy and childbirth. “The diversion of resources to handle Covid-19 meant maternal health services were not prioritised, which had real consequences for expectant mothers,” Makgake says.
Intimate partner violence added to women’s stress
Another concerning finding was the dual impact of pandemic restrictions on family dynamics. “On the one hand, women appreciated spending more time with their families,” she notes. “But on the other, we saw an alarming rise in intimate partner violence, which added another layer of stress for many women.”
In response to these challenges, her study offers several recommendations. “We need to rethink how we deliver maternal healthcare during crises,” she says. “Mobile health services, telemedicine and better funding for maternal care can ensure continuity and improve outcomes even in emergencies.”
Makgake’s research also highlights the need for preventative measures. “Adequate supplies of personal protective equipment and infection prevention strategies are essential,” she emphasises. “These basics can make a world of difference for both healthcare providers and the women they serve.”
This study sheds light on the critical need to strengthen healthcare systems to withstand future disruptions. As Makgake concludes, “The lessons from this pandemic must guide us in creating a more resilient and inclusive healthcare framework that prioritises women’s needs, no matter the circumstances.”
Her findings serve as a call to action, urging policymakers to invest in maternal healthcare systems that can weather crises and safeguard the well-being of women and their families.
Makgake Ziphorah Mohulatsi
