Bangui — The Central African Republic faces one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates, with 829 deaths per 100,000 live births recorded in 2023. Many women give birth far from health facilities, face long travel distances, and encounter limited resources, while cultural beliefs sometimes prevent access to care. Fewer than half of pregnant women attend the recommended four antenatal consultations, and nearly a third of deliveries still occur at home, putting both mothers and newborns at serious risk.
To tackle this challenge, the country has prioritized providing every woman with quality maternal care without financial barriers, aligning with the principles of universal health coverage. The national strategy focuses on essential services, including antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and management of complications. This approach not only saves lives but also builds trust in the health system, encouraging women to utilize available services.
With support from WHO and funding from major donors, the government has strengthened maternal health through the training and deployment of community midwives. Selected by their communities, these midwives serve as crucial links between families and health facilities, guiding women through pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. They also raise awareness about the importance of antenatal visits and assisted deliveries, fostering behavioral change that reduces preventable maternal and newborn deaths.
Midwives like Erguine Souhat in Bria play a vital role, accompanying women even in emergencies to ensure safe delivery. Dr. Romaric Ghislain Zarambaud Bohy-Ngombet, Director of Family Health and Population, highlights that reducing maternal mortality is a national emergency, with the Ministry of Health focusing on improving provider skills, upgrading facilities, and bringing services closer to communities.
Currently, over 1,200 active midwives operate in 32 of the country’s 35 health districts, primarily in rural areas. Their work has led to a 30% reduction in home deliveries and increased attendance at antenatal consultations. In 2024, WHO helped equip around 30 maternity wards with medical supplies and trained 300 community midwives in essential maternal and newborn care, alongside 64 healthcare providers in gynecological risk detection, improving the quality of care and preventing avoidable deaths.
The impact of these efforts is visible in the lives of women like Albertine Shoura, who credits her midwife for a safe delivery after previously experiencing a life-threatening home birth. The combined efforts of trained midwives, equipped facilities, and community awareness campaigns are transforming maternal health in the Central African Republic, giving women and their families hope for safer pregnancies and a healthier future.
