Cote d'Ivoire's maternal and neonatal mortality rates have shown improvement but still pose a significant challenge to the country's healthcare system. According to the 2021 demographic and health survey, the maternal mortality rate stands at 385 deaths per 100,000 live births, down from 614 in 2012. The neonatal mortality rate has also decreased from 38 to 30 deaths per 1,000 live births over the same period. Despite this progress, the country's healthcare sector acknowledges that more work needs to be done to address these critical health issues.
Maïmouna Kangouté, Secretary-General of the Syndicate of Midwives and Obstetricians of Côte d'Ivoire, emphasizes that the country's mortality rates are still a concern. She notes that while the government and development partners have made efforts to improve healthcare, the numbers remain high. Kangouté stresses that every maternal or neonatal death is a reminder that more could have been done to prevent the tragedy. The Ministry of Health's 2024 annual report indicates a hospital maternal mortality ratio of 105.96 per 100,000 live births, a decrease from 123 in 2023.
A significant challenge facing Cote d'Ivoire's healthcare system is the shortage of midwives in rural areas and their concentration in urban centers like Abidjan. Kangouté attributes this disparity to various factors, including the attractiveness of urban areas, better infrastructure, and access to social services. In contrast, rural areas face difficulties in providing adequate living and working conditions for midwives. Data from the Ministry of Health shows significant disparities in the ratio of midwives to women of reproductive age across different regions.
The Syndicate of Midwives and Obstetricians of Côte d'Ivoire is advocating for a policy to attract and retain midwives in rural areas. Kangouté suggests that this could involve providing decent housing, security, equipment, and opportunities for continuous training and career advancement. She emphasizes that midwives working in rural areas should be able to live and work in good conditions, with prospects for the future. The syndicate is pushing for a shift from a policy of imposed assignments to one of accompanied and valued assignments.
Some midwives may express reluctance to be assigned to rural areas, but Kangouté argues that this should not be judged too harshly. She notes that young midwives may face difficulties in finding accommodation, accessing healthcare, or securing transportation. Others may have family responsibilities or concerns about career prospects. The syndicate is not encouraging midwives to refuse assignments but rather urging the government to create conditions that make these assignments acceptable and attractive.
Cote d'Ivoire's ratio of midwives to women of reproductive age stands at 3.79 per 3,000 women, according to the 2024 report. While this meets the national norm, it falls short of the 4.23 target set by the National Health Development Plan 2021-2025. Kangouté stresses that having sufficient midwives is not just about numbers but also about ensuring they are distributed equitably and have the necessary resources to provide quality care.
The profession of midwifery is noble and essential, but Kangouté believes that more needs to be done to attract and retain midwives. She emphasizes that midwives play a critical role in accompanying women during significant moments in their lives and directly contributing to the survival of mothers and newborns. The syndicate is advocating for better working conditions, equipment, and resources to support midwives in their critical work.
Key points
- Cote d'Ivoire's maternal and neonatal mortality rates remain high, with 385 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births and 30 neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births.
- The country faces a shortage of midwives in rural areas, with significant disparities in the ratio of midwives to women of reproductive age across different regions.
- The syndicate is advocating for a policy to attract and retain midwives in rural areas, including better working conditions, equipment, and resources.
