Ouagadougou: The Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians of Burkina Faso (SOGOB) organized a meeting in Ouagadougou on Friday to exchange ideas with technical and financial partners on the fight against postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), with the objective of reducing the maternal mortality ratio from approximately 198 deaths per 100,000 live births to less than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.

According to Burkina Information Agency, SOGOB Vice-President Professor Issa Ou©draogo, representing President Professor Charlemagne Ou©draogo, emphasized that no woman should die giving birth. He highlighted the importance of recognizing the main signs of danger related to postpartum hemorrhage, noting that symptoms like simple headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath could mask serious health issues. Prompt consultation with a healthcare professional in such situations is crucial.

Professor Ou©draogo lamented the daily reality that women lose their lives while giving life, stating that behind these statistics are broken families and children deprived of their mothers. He insisted that postpartum hemorrhage remains a major cause of maternal death, despite being preventable in many cases.

According to healthcare professionals, effective management of obstetric emergencies is hindered by equipment shortages, blood product shortages, a lack of continuing education for healthcare providers, and weaknesses in the referral and counter-referral system. Additionally, accessing quality care is challenging in areas facing significant security issues.

To address these challenges, partners were urged to integrate their efforts into a strategic and sustainable approach, working closely with national structures, particularly SOGOB, which plays a key role in combating maternal mortality.