Tenkodogo: The Mother-Child Center (CME) of Tenkodogo presented, on Thursday, results deemed encouraging in the management of maternal, neonatal and infant health, on the occasion of its second statutory general assembly. Health officials, however, noted shortcomings in human resources and equipment, calling for increased support from partners and authorities.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Mother-Child Center of Tenkodogo was created following the rehabilitation of the former Regional Hospital Centre and benefited from the support of Enabel in 2021, before its official opening in November 2022. Initially dedicated to the care of survivors of gender-based violence and female genital mutilation, the center has progressively expanded its package of services to include gynecology-obstetrics, pediatrics, and surgery.
The outgoing head physician of the Mother-Child Center, Freddy Sawadogo, explained that this development is the result of a strategic refocusing on obstetric and neonatal emergencies to optimize the use of available resources and improve the quality of care. He highlighted the progress made in the operating room, the laboratory, and pediatric services, while also mentioning the remaining challenges.
Presenting the annual report, the chief medical officer of the Tenkodogo health district, Dr. Sohinte Some, indicated that more than 3,000 women received consultations in 2025, with more than 1,600 deliveries performed, including cesarean sections and interventions for gynecological and obstetric emergencies. In pediatrics, more than 10,000 children were treated, with 558 hospitalizations.
These improved results compared to 2024 are nonetheless contrasted by significant shortcomings: limited staff in the operating room, affecting continuity of care; a shortage of mattresses for inpatients; the absence of a radiology department; underutilization of the ultrasound machine; and the need for specialized equipment for neonatal resuscitation. Establishing a functional laundry facility and strengthening the laboratory are also among the priorities.
Presiding over the meeting, the High Commissioner of the Boulgou province, Domegbeguiere Constantin Dabire, praised the commitment of the staff and invited the managers to consolidate the achievements with the available means, while awaiting increased support from the highest authorities.
Following the discussions, the participants reaffirmed the strategic role of the Tenkodogo Mother and Child Center in the healthcare services provided by the health district. While welcoming the results achieved, they called for a collective effort from technical partners, authorities, and communities to sustainably strengthen the center's capacity and contribute to reducing maternal, neonatal, and infant mortality.