Health experts in West and Central Africa have committed to work together to improve health outcomes for mothers and children in the region.
The call to action was made during a webinar organized by UNICEF in collaboration with the Africa Media Network for the Promotion of Health and Environment (REMAPSEN), in commemoration of the World Health Day.
Participants in the webinar underscored the need for collaboration to address the complex challenges facing maternal, neonatal, and child health by sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices aimed at contributing to a healthier future for the region’s most vulnerable populations.
A Health Specialist at UNICEF’s West and Central Africa Regional Office, Dr. Tomomi Kitamura who co- moderated the session with President of REMAPSEN, Bamba Youssouf, identified the critical role of collaborative efforts in enhancing health outcomes for mothers and children.
‘‘It’s important that governments within the region prioritize critical interventions for mothers and children. There is also the need to engage local communities to promote health awareness and improve health outcomes.’’
Vice-President of the African Neonatal Association, Professor Faye Moctar, touched on the need for considerable fund allocation in health infrastructure, human resource and continuous training of personnel.
‘‘Funding has always been an issue within the region. Plus, there are a lot of challenges, particularly in Nigeria and my country, Senegal. These challenges, ranging from economic hardship, harmful cultural practices to reliance on traditional birth attendants, pose serious threats to the health and survival of newborns,” she explained.
The webinar brought together health experts, practitioners, and various other stakeholders to share data on the challenges and opportunities in improving health outcomes for mothers and children in the region.
This year’s World Health Day is on the theme: Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures: Focusing on maternal and newborn health, urging governments to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths and prioritize women’s longer-term health.
