Perform C-section only when 'medically necessary' – WHO

The WHO says caesarean sections should only be performed when medically necessary. According to the organisation, caesarean section is one of the most common surgeries in the world, with rates continuing to rise, particularly in high- and middle-income countries.

It said although it could save lives, caesarean section is often performed without medical need, putting women and their babies at-risk of short- and long-term health problems.

A statement from the WHO, underscored the importance of focusing on the needs of the patient, on a case by case basis, and discouraging the practice of aiming for 'target rates”.

It said caesarean section may be necessary when vaginal delivery might pose a risk to the mother or baby, for example due to prolonged labour, foetal distress, or because the baby is presenting in an abnormal position.

However, it said caesarean sections could cause significant complications, disability or death, particularly in settings that lack the facilities to conduct safe surgeries or treat potential complications.

The statement said since 1985, the international healthcare community considered the “ideal rate” for caesarean sections to be between 10 per cent and 15 per cent.

It observed that new studies reveal that when caesarean section rates rise towards 10 per cent across a population, the number of maternal and newborn deaths decreases; but when the rate goes above 10 per cent, there is no evidence that mortality rates improve.

GNA