International Midwives Day: Burkina Faso's 12% health budget boosts midwifery, maternal care

The government of Burkina Faso is celebrating midwives on the International Day for Midwives. The global theme is "Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis." They have taken steps to strengthen the country's healthcare system.

Health Minister Dr. Lucien Jean Claude Kargougou spoke during a webinar. This event was organized by UNFPA and Africa Media Network for Health and Environment (REMAPSEN). He outlined five key measures to improve healthcare delivery across the nation.

The minister noted that Burkina Faso has allocated a significant budget to health. For nearly ten years, this budget has been two figures. Despite security challenges, 12% of the state budget now goes to health.

He highlighted the increased recruitment of healthcare workers nationwide. Twenty years ago, one worker served over 150,000 people in his district. Now, each health center has at least one or two workers.

In addition, medical centers with surgical capabilities have about fifteen workers each. This recruitment effort is crucial for remote areas far from Ouagadougou.

Dr. Kargougou also mentioned improvements in training schools' capacities. The SONU network trains general practitioners in essential surgery, including caesarean sections.

Dr. Sennen Hounton, UNFPA Regional Director for West and Central Africa, called for change in healthcare approaches. He emphasized the need to enhance midwifery training to reduce maternal mortality rates.

He urged political leaders to prioritize women and girls' issues in their agendas before elections. Engaging local political actors is essential for making these priorities a reality.

Speakers from Cameroon, Mali, and Chad shared their experiences during the webinar. They discussed successes and challenges in improving maternal, newborn, and child healthcare in their countries.