Niamey will host from November 13 to 15, 2024, a National Forum on maternal and perinatal deaths under the patronage of Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine. Organized by the Ministry of Public Health in partnership with key players such as UNICEF, WHO, Pathfinder, this forum takes place in a worrying context, where neonatal mortality has increased sharply in recent years, rising from 24‰ in 2015 to 43‰ in 2021, thus placing Niger among the most affected countries in Africa. The event aims to mobilize stakeholders to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in Niger, through an in-depth diagnosis, assessment of progress, and the formulation of new interventions for lasting impact.
Despite tangible efforts by the State to support public health, including free care for children aged 0 to 59 months, free cesarean sections and a 50% reduction on many medical services, the maternal mortality rate and perinatal rate remains high in Niger. Despite these measures, challenges persist, as evidenced by the increase in neonatal mortality and the high rate of maternal deaths. The current situation in Niger is worrying.
According to data from the 2021 ENAFEME survey, the neonatal mortality rate increased sharply, from 24 per thousand in 2015 to 43 per thousand in 2021, thus contributing to 75% of infant and juvenile deaths, one of the highest rates the highest in West Africa. As for maternal mortality, despite progress, it remains high with 441 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020, a level which compromises the SDG objective set at 70 deaths per 100,000 births. In addition, out of 1000 live births, just over 5 women (5.2) die either during pregnancy, during childbirth, or within 42 days of the end of pregnancy, highlighting the seriousness of the risks faced. pregnant women face.
Significant progress has been made in reducing intra-hospital obstetric lethality, which increased from 0.39% in 2016 to 0.17% in 2023. However, the intra-hospital neonatal mortality rate has doubled , going from 0.53% in 2016 to 1.04% in 2023.
During the 3 days of the forum, participants including senior officials from the Ministry of Public Health, national and international experts, technical and financial partners (UNICEF, WHO, USAID, etc.), as well as traditional and religious leaders will evaluate the progress of previous initiatives, the difficulties of the health system through technical workshops and multi-sectoral diagnostics. Discussions will also include the responsibilities shared between different actors, from government to NGOs and traditional authorities. This work will culminate in the Niamey Declaration to initiate concrete actions, short and long-term interventions, and implementation mechanisms to reverse this trend and hope to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Maternal and perinatal mortality in Niger: alarming figures in 2023
In 2023, Niger recorded 1,540 maternal deaths and 22,152 perinatal deaths, mainly in the regions of Maradi and Tahoua. Obstetric hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, and infections remain the main causes of maternal deaths. Additionally, anemia and malaria are among the most common indirect causes of death.
Several factors contribute to this alarming situation, including: insufficient sectoral and intersectoral governance, shortage of qualified human resources, and low accessibility to care. In addition, harmful sociocultural practices persist, hampering progress in the fight against this mortality.
Key strategies and actions implemented by Niger to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality
As part of the fight against maternal and perinatal mortality, Niger is implementing several key actions and strategies. Among these are the strengthening of governance, coordination, and partnership for reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, adolescent and nutrition health (SRMNIAJ-Nut). Particular emphasis is placed on improving the financing of the sector, the availability of qualified human resources, accessibility to medicines and medical equipment, and the optimization of health infrastructure.
The country is also implementing communication and awareness strategies to encourage health-promoting behaviors, and community interventions aimed at improving care for mothers, newborns, and children. An important component of this initiative is strengthening advocacy for better resource mobilization and an environment conducive to the implementation of effective policies.
Despite the State’s efforts to support access to health services, the country faces significant challenges in improving the quality of care. Human resource management, availability of medicines, as well as improvement of health infrastructure require urgent attention. The national forum aims to identify concrete solutions to overcome these obstacles. This forum represents a strong commitment from the Nigerien government and national and international partners to save lives and guarantee a better future for mothers and children in the country.
Abdoulkarim (actuniger.com)
