Improving Access to Contraception and Maternal Care in Benin

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has been working in Couffo, Benin, since 2022 to improve maternal and reproductive health care access. Prior to their involvement, many women lacked regular health checks and access to contraception, leading to high mortality rates. MSF’s initiatives focus on community education and training women leaders to promote health services, which has led to increased awareness and better access to medical support for women during pregnancy.

In Couffo, Benin, prior to the intervention of Doctors Without Borders (MSF), the prevalence of maternal healthcare access was alarmingly low, with few women attending health centers. The high demand for contraception highlighted that nearly 50% of women of reproductive age lacked access to such services, contributing to elevated maternal and infant mortality rates. Improved medical monitoring could substantially reduce preventable deaths.

Since 2022, MSF and the Ministry of Health have facilitated sustainable healthcare access changes in Couffo. Community outreach efforts are primarily conducted by women trained by MSF, who successfully bridge the gap between health centers and local populations. This initiative focuses on enhanced monitoring for women, leading to more frequent health check-ups during pregnancies.

Léonie, a mother of five, illustrates the positive impact of this initiative. After experiencing complications during her last pregnancy, she sought medical assistance upon learning the importance of prenatal care. This proactive approach prevented potential life-threatening complications for both her and her newborn, affirming the critical role of medical oversight in maternal care.

Hippolite leads health promotion in the KTL health zone and underscores the significance of educating communities about the importance of accessing healthcare services. He emphasizes, “If women don’t know why they need to go to the health center, they won’t go.” His efforts focus on combating ignorance, which can lead to preventable deaths among women and infants.

To foster sustainable change, MSF prioritizes educating communities about diverse family planning methods. Hippolite remarks on the long-standing taboo surrounding contraception in Beninese society, noting a gradual shift in perceptions as couples acknowledge the health benefits of spacing pregnancies.

Lucienne, trained as a community leader by MSF, has observed significant improvements in community attitudes, especially among men. She has implemented a referral system for women to access health services more conveniently, stating, “Before I became involved, I also thought that contraception made people sick and sterile. Today, I realize that when contraception is accepted in a household, it avoids many problems between partners.”

Felix, the father of six, represents a community member educated on contraception through MSF’s outreach. He recognizes the importance of birth spacing and its impact on family well-being, stating, “Now we’re going to take good care of the children we already have, and we won’t have any more children.” This realization is vital to breaking the cycle of repeated loss in their households.

MSF has been actively involved in Couffo since 2022, not only by promoting health awareness but also by supporting six health centers. These efforts include staff recruitment, training, facility rehabilitation, and ensuring essential medical supplies. Furthermore, MSF assists in critical hospital care, pre- and postnatal consultations, family planning counseling, and services for victims of sexual violence, aiming to optimize health outcomes in the region.

The intervention by MSF in Couffo, Benin, has significantly improved maternal and reproductive health access. By training community leaders and focusing on education about contraception, MSF is addressing longstanding taboos and misconceptions. The positive outcomes for women like Léonie and Felix exemplify the importance of access to health care, which can effectively reduce maternal and infant mortality rates and enhance family well-being. Comprehensive support and awareness-raising activities remain crucial for further progress in the region.

Original Source: www.doctorswithoutborders.org