The department of Guitry in Côte d'Ivoire has successfully recorded zero maternal deaths from June to September 2026. This achievement was announced during the quarterly meeting of the Departmental Committee for Monitoring Maternal Deaths and Response (CDSDMR) held at the prefecture on September 30, 2026. The meeting was chaired by the prefect of Guitry, Ida Grâce Camara, and attended by administrative and health authorities, sub-prefects, village and community leaders.
According to Dr. Konan Jeanne, representative of the departmental health director, the accomplishment is attributed to the mobilization of health workers, prefectural authorities, and community leaders. Despite this success, 131 women with obstetric complications were evacuated to Divo or Abidjan for further treatment. The main cases recorded included 21 cases of hypertension and 17 cases of postpartum hemorrhage, as well as uterine scarring.
The persistence of home births remains a concern in the department, with 77 out of 1,253 recorded births occurring outside health facilities during the period. Health officials have called for increased awareness among pregnant women to encourage early use of health services, respect for prenatal and postnatal consultations, and assisted deliveries by qualified personnel.
However, the non-functionality of Guitry's operating block poses a significant challenge, forcing health services to evacuate patients requiring certain interventions to other cities. Ambulance breakdowns and insufficient health transport means, particularly in Yocoboué, further complicate evacuations. The lack of equipment has been identified as a major obstacle to providing adequate healthcare.
Ibrahim Ousmane, the second deputy mayor of Guitry, praised the contribution of village leaders to population awareness and advocated for their involvement in finding solutions to equipment difficulties. He specifically requested the repair of ambulances, acquisition of new vehicles, and the commissioning of Guitry's operating block to reduce evacuations to Divo and Abidjan.
Prefect Ida Grâce Camara encouraged stakeholders to maintain their mobilization to preserve the achieved result and reduce home births. The committee recommended continuing to advocate for the effective opening of the operating block and ambulance maintenance. Community leaders were invited to strengthen awareness among pregnant women and involve their spouses in pregnancy follow-up.
Health workers were tasked with intensifying home visits, monitoring pregnant women, and applying protocols for emergency obstetric care. The department's achievement of zero maternal deaths is a significant milestone, but addressing the existing challenges will be crucial to sustaining this progress and improving healthcare services in Guitry.
Key points
- The department of Guitry recorded zero maternal deaths from June to September 2026.
- 131 women with obstetric complications were evacuated to Divo or Abidjan for further treatment.
- The non-functionality of Guitry's operating block and ambulance breakdowns hinder healthcare services.
