The Institut de formation en soins infirmiers et obstétricaux (Ifsio) in Parakou, Benin, officially launched the "Strengthening the capacities of maternal care providers for respectful maternal and neonatal care" (Smnr) project on October 1, 2026. The project aims to improve maternal healthcare in the northern regions of Benin, specifically in the departments of Borgou, Alibori, Atacora, and Donga. Authorities, technical and financial partners, health officials, teachers, and students from Ifsio and the University of Parakou attended the ceremony.
The Smnr project seeks to enhance the capacities of approximately 1,500 healthcare professionals and trainees, ultimately improving the care experience for around 20,000 women, newborns, and families. The project, which will run for 20 months, is a collaboration between Médecins du monde Suisse and Ifsio. Its primary goal is to make maternity wards spaces where women are treated with respect, listened to, informed, and supported. This initiative addresses a significant concern: obstetric violence and its impact on healthcare seeking behavior.
According to Isabelle Floreani, General Coordinator of Médecins du monde Suisse in Benin, obstetric violence contributes to women's reluctance to seek healthcare services. Negative experiences can erode trust in the healthcare system, exposing mothers and children to complications. The project aims to address this issue by simultaneously focusing on human, organizational, pedagogical, and institutional aspects of care. The program includes training for trainers, capacity building for professionals and trainees, and integrating respectful maternal and neonatal care principles into curricula.
The project targets around 1,500 professionals and trainees, aiming to make listening, consent, confidentiality, dignity, and benevolence integral components of daily practice. Thirty pilot maternity wards in the four northern departments will be equipped, serving as internship and learning sites for future professionals. Community sensitization, advocacy, research, and capitalization actions are also planned. These maternity wards will provide a platform for students to gain practical experience.
Professor Montcho Adrien Hodonou, Director of Ifsio, emphasized that the project builds on previous discussions about sociocultural determinants of health and sexual and reproductive rights. These conversations highlighted the issue of obstetric violence. Hodonou stressed that giving birth should never be a violent experience, advocating for safe and dignified maternity wards.
The Smnr project deployment in the four departments will enable Médecins du monde Suisse and Ifsio to monitor progress and assess its impact on maternal healthcare. The project's success will depend on effective collaboration among stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, authorities, and the community. By working together, they aim to create a positive change in maternal healthcare.
Ultimately, the Smnr project envisions a future where maternity wards provide respectful and high-quality care. By enhancing the capacities of healthcare providers and promoting a culture of respect and dignity, the project hopes to reduce obstetric violence and improve health outcomes for women and newborns in northern Benin.
Key points
- The project aims to improve care for 20,000 women, newborns, and families.
- Around 1,500 healthcare professionals and trainees will benefit from the project.
- The project will run for 20 months, concluding in 2028.
