VOICED : Ebola heightens childbirth danger in Sierra Leone

Maternity clinics in Sierra Leone are quieter as women fear contracting Ebola, leading to more home births despite health professionals' warnings. Efforts to discourage home births include fines and community bylaws. Nurses try to ease fears by wearing regular clothes. Clinic attendance has dropped significantly, with fewer births recorded. Misinformation about Ebola injections is prevalent, and Sierra Leone has the highest maternal mortality rate, which may rise due to the epidemic.

What is one reason why maternity clinics have been quieter than usual?

• Women are choosing to have more children.

• Women are afraid of contracting the virus at hospitals.

• Hospitals are closed due to renovations.

• There is a shortage of medical staff.

What measure is being taken to discourage home births?

• Hiring more midwives.

• Offering free hospital deliveries.

• Providing home birth kits.

• Imposing fines for home births.

How are nurses trying to make clinics more welcoming?

• By offering free meals.

• By wearing regular clothes instead of protective gear.

• By providing entertainment for patients.

• By reducing waiting times.

What has been the trend in the number of births at clinics since the Ebola outbreak?

• The number of births has decreased.

• The number of births has increased.

• The number of births has fluctuated randomly.

• The number of births has remained the same.

What is a potential consequence of the ongoing fear of the Ebola virus?

• A rise in the number of hospital births.

• More women choosing to work in healthcare.

• An increase in the maternal mortality rate.

• A decrease in the maternal mortality rate.