In West Africa the number of women using a modern contraceptive method can be as low as one in 10, the average number of children is five and maternal and infant mortality rates are amongst the world's worst.
In order to put an end to preventable mother and child deaths, Marie Stopes International supported the West Africa Health Organisation’s (WAHO) first ever Forum for Good Practices in Health in Burkina Faso.
The aim was to share best practice in reproductive health and family planning, including:
"WAHO really appreciates MSI's presence and support for this Forum," says Cletus Adohinzin, the WAHO Programme Manager for the KFW-funded Reproductive Health and HIV Prevention in the ECOWAS Region.
"Their presentations have showcased their expertise in delivery high quality services. Their focus on achieving impact and assisting the most vulnerable are critical components of the ongoing discussions on how to institutionalise the good practices that we have identified at this Forum and put an end to preventable maternal and child deaths once and for all."
Dr Fred Gbagbo, Director of Medical Development for Marie Stopes Ghana added:
“Marie Stopes International’s teams in West Africa are proud to have been able to contribute to these forums. We hope that they mark a concerted effort by national governments to not only identify good practices in family planning and reproductive health but also prioritise funding, so that these practices can be scaled up and lives can be saved.”
Following the Forum, recommendations on good practices will be shared with ECOWAS's Assembly of Health Ministers and a resolution highlighting countries' commitment to taking them to scale is expected in the coming weeks.