NIGER
The Maria Guidan Haihuwa Birth Center in Niamey (NIGER)
With the highest fertility rate in the world, averaging seven children per woman, a high (albeit declining) infant mortality rate, and insufficient and unevenly distributed infrastructure in Niger, we wanted to take action.
In January 2023, thanks to the support of the Rochas Foundation, we were able to create the "Maria Guidan Haihuwa" birth center, named after the midwife who initiated the project. It is located on the outskirts of the capital, thus meeting a need for local infrastructure.
HOW IT WORKS
- It is a place that welcomes, monitors pregnancies, and assists with childbirthfor pregnant women without medical complications who wish to give birth in a manner closer to home birth, i.e., physiologically (eutocic).
- Midwives, as independent professionals, areresponsiblefor the birth center.
- They offer"comprehensive birth support." The couple is cared for by the same midwifethroughout the pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum period.
- The birth center, located in an area lacking healthcare facilities, haspartnered with a maternity wardto facilitate transfers when more advanced medical care is needed.
Update on maternity
By March 2023, three months after its opening,60 women receiving prenatal carewill give birth during 2023, potentially representing morethan 100 babies per year.
Additional funds are needed for two main reasons:
Prices have been aligned withpublic prices, taking into account the level of poverty among patients. We organizefreeconsultationdaysto help the most disadvantaged. We have to cover thecost of purchasing medicines and consumables.
We mustpay midwives and ward assistantswho currently work in exchange for reimbursement of their travel expenses.