Background on Kosovo

 

   Kosovo is one of the poorest countries in Europe, second only to next door Albania. The population in 2000 was estimated at 1.8 million. The economy was virtually destroyed during the war with Yugoslavia. Rebuilding will take time and resources. In 2000, the unemployment rate was a staggering three-quarters of the working age population, a rate that exceeds most developing countries.

   Preliminary reproductive health indicators reveal a stunning lack of information and services for both women and men. Although the total fertility rate is declining, it is still close to 3 children per woman (2.7) on average. Not surprisingly, the contraceptive prevalence rate is only 10.7%. The infant mortality rate is declining and in 2000 it was estimated at 35 deaths per 1,000 live births. However, maternal mortality remains unacceptably high: 152 deaths per 100,000 live births, the highest rate in Europe.

   Antenatal care is very weak in Kosovo. As many as 30% of pregnant women never see the inside of a health clinic or hospital. Only about 30% benefit from at least one or two antenatal care visits. Home deliveries account for more than 20% of all births, a rate comparable to many developing countries.

   Reproductive and sexual health knowledge appears weak, especially among young people. Recent research by the International Rescue Committee shows that most Kosovar women begin active sexual lives at 18, yet only 10% of them use a modern method of contraception. Most medical personnel believe that abortion, largely unreported, is emerging as a major means of fertility regulation. Coupled to lack of access to appropriate information and services, this would help explain the high number of maternal deaths.


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