It is well known that postpartum depression is the most common health complication among women in the first year after childbirth. Around 20% of mothers suffer from this mental health disorder, and approximately 50% of them are never detected, do not seek, or do not receive adequate help. The fact that depression is on the rise (according to the World Health Organization, it is the second most common illness in the population) clearly highlights the need for increased attention to the prevention, early detection, and treatment of postpartum depression, as it directly endangers not only the mother but also her baby.
The lack of timely diagnosis and support can have serious consequences. Research shows that children of depressed mothers are more likely to experience slower psychological, cognitive, neurological, and motor development. Additionally, globally, suicide as a result of postpartum depression has become the leading cause of maternal mortality. Unfortunately, we are increasingly hearing about such cases in our region, which highlights the urgent need to take action towards prevention and early detection to ensure that these cases are identified in time and prevented to the greatest extent possible.
"In order for all mothers in Bosnia and Herzegovina to have equal rights and equal access to care for their health, we believe it is important that the activities related to the introduction of screening are carried out simultaneously in the Brčko District as well. Therefore, we have submitted an initiative to the Brčko District Government and the Public Health Institution 'Health Center Brčko' - Primary Health Care, for the introduction of mandatory screening for postpartum depression", said Jelena Mihić Salapura, the campaign coordinator at the EKO EHO Center.
Regular implementation of mandatory systematic screening for postpartum depression significantly contributes to the early identification and timely provision of assistance, thereby improving the quality of life for families and reducing the burden on the healthcare system.
"Given the simplicity of the screening procedure for postpartum depression, which is conducted using the globally accepted Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, a highly reliable and brief method with low costs, we believe that we should make joint efforts to ensure that screening for postpartum depression becomes mandatory. We are available to institutions in the Brčko District to share our experiences from our previous work on this issue", stated representatives of the EKO EHO Center.
The systemic implementation of screening for postpartum depression would significantly contribute to improving the health care of mothers and children, enabling early identification and timely treatment of postpartum depression. Its implementation represents an important step towards establishing a more efficient and accessible support system for new mothers, reducing long-term negative consequences both for individuals and society as a whole.
The campaign "Advocacy for the Introduction of Screening for Postpartum Depression in Bosnia and Herzegovina" is being carried out in collaboration with our partner organizations: the Association for Education and Development "Dignitet" Mostar, the Association of Families with Fertility Problems "Bebe" Trebinje, and the Association of Active Women "Gender" Brčko.
