Breaking Taboos on Contraception and Enhancing Maternal Health in Benin
Doctors Without Borders has improved maternal healthcare access in Couffo, Benin, where prior access was limited. With emphasis on community outreach led by trained women, MSF has reduced maternal and infant mortality rates by promoting the importance of regular medical check-ups and family planning methods. Key changes in perceptions about contraception have emerged, underscoring awareness and education in reproductive health.
In the southern department of Couffo, Benin, prior to the intervention of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), there was a concerning lack of access to healthcare among pregnant women and those of reproductive age. Limited visits to health centers resulted in inadequate prenatal care and an increased incidence of home births, contributing to elevated maternal and infant mortality rates. Approximately half of the women in this demographic lacked access to contraception, exacerbating health challenges.
Since its arrival in 2022, MSF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has focused on fostering long-term improvements in healthcare accessibility for the communities in Couffo. Their outreach efforts are primarily conducted by women trained by MSF, who act as vital links between health centers and local populations, particularly enhancing the regular monitoring of pregnant women.
Léonie, a mother of five, is among those who have benefited from this educational outreach. Despite suffering from issues during her last pregnancy, Léonie learned the importance of seeking medical assistance after receiving information from community health workers. This change resulted in her accessing healthcare that prevented potential complications during delivery, thus safeguarding her life and that of her newborn, Précieux Magloire.
Health promotion leader Hippolite oversees initiatives in the KTL health zone, emphasizing the role of trained women as advocates for reproductive health within their communities. He highlights the critical need for awareness: “If women don’t know why they need to go to the health center, they won’t go.” This awareness is pivotal in mitigating ignorance, which can lead to preventable fatalities.
MSF is actively addressing the long-standing taboo surrounding contraception, providing education about family planning methods to empower couples in making informed decisions about family size. Hippolite remarked on the evolving perceptions, stating, “The question of contraception has been a taboo subject in Beninese society for a long time.”
Community leader Lucienne’s involvement has brought positive changes, especially in terms of male engagement. A tricycle referral system was established to facilitate transportation to health centers, largely managed by men. Lucienne herself overcame misconceptions and now recognizes that acceptance of contraception promotes familial stability, reducing complications during pregnancy and enhancing overall health outcomes.
Father of six, Felix, has also transformed his understanding of family planning. After engaging with MSF and learning about contraception, he realized the importance of spacing births to maintain family health. He now prioritizes the well-being of his children, committing to sharing this newfound knowledge with future generations to prevent repeating past hardships.
MSF has been operational in Couffo since 2022, providing substantial support to local health facilities through recruitment, training, and resource allocation. Their interventions include promoting pre- and postnatal consultations, safe abortion care, family planning support, and assistance for victims of sexual violence, aiming to enhance maternal care and overall community health.
The initiatives by Doctors Without Borders in Couffo, Benin, are fostering significant improvements in healthcare access, particularly for pregnant women and those seeking contraception. Through community involvement and educational efforts, MSF is transforming perceptions surrounding reproductive health. This proactive approach not only addresses immediate health needs but also establishes a foundation for sustained awareness and improved family well-being.
Original Source: www.doctorswithoutborders.org
