Gourma: The provincial authorities of Gourma, in partnership with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), UNFPA, and JHPIEGO, launched the "Maa len baani" project, which means "safer births" in the Gourmantchema language, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, in Fada N'Gourma. The initiative aims to strengthen the prevention and management of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), the leading cause of maternal death in the country.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the launch ceremony was chaired by the President of the Special Delegation (PDS) of Matiakoali, Hade Souleymane Darankoum, representing the High Commissioner of the Gourma province. The event brought together administrative authorities, health officials, and partner organizations. Mr. Darankoum highlighted that Burkina Faso continues to experience a concerning maternal mortality rate, estimated at 198 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2021, against national targets aiming to reduce it to 70. PPH alone accounts for 21% of these deaths.
The IRC field coordinator for the East, Abel Beda, detailed the project's objectives, noting that it is a collaborative effort between IRC, UNFPA, and JHPIEGO, with technical support from the Ministry of Health. The project will cover five communes in the Gourma province, including Fada N'Gourma, Diabo, Tibga, Matiakoali, and Diapangou. It aims to enhance the operational capacities of health centers, train village agents and midwives in PPH prevention and management, and equip health facilities with essential equipment and medicines.
Abel Beda explained the project as a continuation of a pilot initiative in three municipalities, where community administration of misoprostol after childbirth showed promising results. Funded with approximately 778 million CFA francs by the Jacinda Ardern Foundation through the 'Matariki Fund for Women', the project spans 20 months. The Ministry of Health anticipates that its implementation will significantly reduce maternal deaths in the Eastern region, which faces security challenges and limited access to care.
The regional health director of Goulmou, Mahamadi Yerbanga, welcomed the initiative as timely support to strengthen interventions targeting major obstetric complications. The PDS urged state technical services to fully back the project's partners to ensure its success. He stated, "This project will contribute significantly to reducing maternal and neonatal mortality in our province."
The ceremony concluded with a call for coordinated efforts among authorities, health personnel, and communities, ensuring that women in Gourma can experience safer childbirth, even amid a challenging humanitarian context.