Home Institution

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Publication Date

Spring 2012

Program Name

Samoa: Pacific Communities and Social Change

Abstract

Countries that face pressure to develop at a rapid pace under the western model must adapt to social change and adopt new policies that will secure their well-being. In an attempt to guide these countries, the United Nations has established the Millennium Development Goals as a framework for national development. The United Nations recognizes the importance of improving maternal health and has established it as one of the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) agreed to by member states. Samoa has agreed to these Goals and is said to be “on track” for improving maternal health by the year 2015. This study will attempt to understand what “on track” really means and will explore how progress in Samoa is measured regarding MDG 5: Improving Maternal Health. The actual health practices of women will be surveyed and similarities and discrepancies between reported behavior and actual practice will be discussed, including insight from health professionals interviewed on the topic. The study will conclude with suggestions for future progress towards meeting MDG 5.

Disciplines

Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing | Women's Studies

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