Fatshimetrie, September 3, 2024
At the heart of maternal health issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo, an urgent need is emerging: birth spacing. This crucial issue was recently highlighted during an interview in Kinshasa with Marie-Jeanne Makusu, coordinator of the NGO “Bon Départ”. Ms. Makusu’s words resonate like an urgent call to action, highlighting the preservation of women, young girls and newborns as the primary objective of this awareness-raising.
The importance of birth spacing lies not only in reducing maternal and infant mortality, but also in preserving the overall health of women and their children. According to Ms. Makusu’s recommendations, an interval of at least two years between births is essential to allow women to recover physically and emotionally, while ensuring the survival and well-being of their children.
The numbers speak for themselves: babies born less than two years after a previous birth have twice the risk of dying in their first year of life compared to those born three years later. These data highlight the crucial impact of family planning and access to contraceptive methods in preventing unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions.
By investing in birth spacing, not only are lives saved, but major savings are made in the social, health, education and environmental sectors. Fewer children to educate means better distributed resources and a better quality of life for Congolese families.
However, raising awareness and training women is not enough without the involvement of authorities and reproductive health partners. It is essential that the government and the organizations involved mobilize to ensure equitable access to sexual and reproductive health services, especially for women living in the most remote areas of the country.
Ultimately, birth spacing is not only a public health issue, but also a moral and social imperative. By protecting the health and well-being of women and their children, Congolese society is investing in a brighter and more balanced future for all. It is therefore imperative that awareness continues and that concrete actions are taken to ensure that every woman and child has the “Good Start” they deserve.
Through these collective efforts, the entire Congolese community is strengthening and flourishing, in a spirit of solidarity and commitment to a better future for all.
Fatshimetrie, for a stronger and more enlightened Congo.
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This revised version places greater emphasis on the importance of birth spacing, while highlighting the positive impact it can have on Congolese society as a whole. The article offers a broader and more encompassing perspective, highlighting the multiple and varied benefits of such a public health policy.