Program for Improving Maternal and Child Health – Phase 2 (PASME 2)

The $8.4-million Program for Improving Maternal and Child Health – Phase 2 aims to reduce maternal and child mortality rate in three regions of Burkina Faso. The initiative will help strengthen health systems and improve the professional skills of health personnel in the areas of prenatal, delivery and post-natal care. It will also contribute to an increase access to information and use of MNCH services by women and families. The initiative is led by World University Service of Canada (WUSC) and implemented in partnership with Université Laval and Farm Radio International.

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, Université Laval and Farm Radio International to help improve maternal, newborn and child health. Local partners are l’Association solidarité Entraide mutuelle au Sahel, le Conseil Burkinabè des ONG et Associations de lutte contre les IST/VIH/SIDA et le Centre d’information, de conseil et de documentation sur le SIDA et la tuberculose.