World University Service of Canada

Published purpose

The second phase of this initiative aims to contribute to the reduction of maternal and infant mortality in the health districts of Bogandé and Manni (eastern region), Yako and Gourcy (northern region) and Koudougou, Réo, Tenado and Sabou (Central West Region) in Burkina Faso. The maternal mortality rate (341 per 100,000) and infant and juvenile deaths are high. The likelihood of a child dying before reaching the fifth birthday is one in eight according to the 2010 demographic survey. In addition, the healthcare system faces significant institutional challenges, such as stock-outs or insufficient qualified staff, which have a significant impact on the quality of care provided and, consequently, the desire of communities to use the services. Project activities include: (1) identification of training needs and training on hygiene and sanitation, prenatal and postnatal care, safe delivery practices, patient psychology, screening, follow-up and reference of malnourished children, follow-up and accompaniment of pregnant women and adolescents; (2) the equipment of health and social promotion centers; 3) sensitization of opinion leaders, political and administrative authorities and communities on the health of mothers, newborns and children. The project is being implemented by a consortium of the World University Service of Canada (WUSC), Université Laval and Farm Radio International to help improve maternal, newborn and child health. Local partners are: Association solidarité Entraide mutuelle au Sahel, Conseil Burkinabè des ONG et Associations de lutte contre les IST et le VIH/sida, and Centre d'Information, de Conseils et de Documentation sur le Sida et la Tuberculose (CICDoc)