The Comité départemental de surveillance des décès maternels et de riposte (CD-SDMR) of Agnibilékrou, Côte d'Ivoire, has reported six maternal deaths in the first three quarters of 2026. Three deaths occurred in the first quarter and three in the third quarter. The CD-SDMR presented this information during a quarterly review meeting held at the prefecture on September 24, 2026. The meeting was chaired by Prefect Arnaud Mathieu Kouakou Kouadio.
The quarterly review meeting was attended by several officials, including the Secretary General of the Prefecture, Doukouré Ben Ali, the Sub-Prefect of Agnibilékrou, Konan Johnson Hubert Yao, and the Director of the Departmental Public Hospital Establishment (EPHD). Representatives from the health sector, local authorities, and security forces were also in attendance. The meeting aimed to discuss the current state of maternal health in the region.
According to the data presented, all six maternal deaths recorded in 2026 concerned women aged between 25 and 49 years. Notably, there were no maternal deaths reported during the second quarter, which covers the period from April to June. The CD-SDMR also analyzed key mother-child indicators, highlighting the significant involvement of the community and non-governmental organizations in promoting assisted deliveries.
The community and non-governmental organizations have been actively engaged in sensitization efforts to encourage assisted deliveries, aiming to reduce or eliminate preventable maternal deaths. However, participants at the meeting identified a need to strengthen awareness about prenatal consultations, particularly those in the ninth month of pregnancy. Attendance at these consultations has been declining, which is a cause for concern.
The decline in prenatal consultations, especially in the ninth month, poses a significant risk as several complications can arise during this period. If not promptly addressed, these complications can lead to severe consequences. The meeting attendees emphasized the importance of addressing this issue to improve maternal health outcomes in Agnibilékrou.
The Prefect of Agnibilékrou, Arnaud Mathieu Kouakou Kouadio, presided over the meeting, which was held at the prefecture. The event brought together various stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, local authorities, and security forces. The CD-SDMR will likely continue to monitor the situation and implement measures to reduce maternal deaths in the region.
The six maternal deaths recorded in Agnibilékrou since January 2026 highlight the need for sustained efforts to improve maternal health in the region. The CD-SDMR and other stakeholders must continue to work together to address the challenges and implement effective strategies to reduce preventable maternal deaths.
Key points
- Six maternal deaths were recorded in Agnibilékrou, Côte d'Ivoire, from January to September 2026.
- The decline in prenatal consultations, particularly in the ninth month, is a cause for concern.
- The community and non-governmental organizations are actively engaged in promoting assisted deliveries to reduce maternal deaths.
