Title: Reducing maternal and neonatal mortality: Mother and Newborn Week at the center of concerns in the DRC
Introduction :
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces significant maternal and newborn health challenges, contributing to a significant portion of the global burden of maternal mortality. To combat this alarming situation, the Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with its partners, launched Mother and Newborn Week. From 6 to 10 November, a series of activities are planned to build capacity, ensure access to essential medicines and mobilize resources to reduce preventable deaths.
Ambitious goals to save lives:
Mother and Newborn Week has several crucial objectives. Firstly, it is about building capacity in sexual, reproductive, maternal and newborn health at all levels. Another important objective is to ensure the provision of essential medicines for adequate care of mothers, newborns and children in order to reduce preventable deaths. Mobilization of resources to implement high-impact interventions, deliver on country commitments in maternal, neonatal and child health, and ensure the positioning of maternal and neonatal health on the agendas of all stakeholders are also important. priorities of the week.
The current situation in the DRC:
According to the WHO, the DRC records an alarming rate of maternal mortality, with 4 deaths every hour due to causes related to pregnancy and childbirth complications. In 2022, the country recorded a total of 6,995 maternal deaths, and the maternal mortality rate was estimated at 547 per 100,000 live births in 2020. The DRC ranks among the top five countries responsible for 49% of maternal deaths. children under 5 years old around the world.
Various activities to raise awareness and take action:
In order to raise awareness among as many people as possible and take concrete action on the ground, Mother and Newborn Week includes a campaign offering free services and information on reproductive health. Round tables with donors are also planned to advocate for resource mobilization for maternal health. At the same time, a youth forum will be organized to address the issues of sexual and reproductive health among new generations.
The mobilization of international actors:
The Mother and Newborn Week initiative benefits from the technical support of the National Reproductive Health Program (PNSR) and UN agencies united around the H6+ initiative, including UNFPA, UN Women , UNICEF, WHO, UNAIDS and the World Bank. Close collaboration between these actors makes it possible to strengthen efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in the DRC.
Conclusion :
Mother and Newborn Week in the DRC is a major initiative to combat maternal and neonatal mortality in the country. By mobilizing resources, building capacity and raising public awareness, this week of activities aims to save lives and improve maternal and newborn health in the DRC. It is essential that all stakeholders come together and collaborate to achieve these ambitious goals and ensure a safer future for mothers and newborns in the country.