Guinea-Bissau has taken a significant step to reduce maternal mortality by launching its first-ever national guidelines for maternal health, aimed at improving care before, during, and after childbirth. Developed by the Ministry of Health with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, the framework seeks to curb maternal deaths, which currently stand at around 500 per 100,000 live births, far above the Sustainable Development Goal target of fewer than 70 per 100,000 live births.
Previously, the country lacked standardized clinical protocols for maternal care, leading to inconsistent services and preventable deaths among mothers and newborns. Dr. Elizio Junior Baldé Ferreira, Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health Service at the Ministry of Public Health, emphasized that the new guidelines provide national standards for prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care, facilitating quality monitoring across all health facilities.
While about 81% of pregnant women attend at least four antenatal care visits, only roughly 50% of births are assisted by skilled health workers. Skilled care is crucial for early detection of risks and management of complications such as hemorrhage, infections, or high blood pressure. The guidelines aim to increase both the number of antenatal visits, in line with WHO’s recommendation of eight visits, and the proportion of facility-based births under professional supervision.
The guidelines were developed and validated through collaboration between health experts, nurses, government agencies, and partners. They define essential medicines, clinical procedures, and key service indicators for maternal care while providing a foundation for training, supervision, and strengthened service delivery nationwide. The initiative aligns with the National Health Strategy Plan 2023–2028, which also emphasizes the expansion and integration of reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health services.
WHO provided technical support throughout the process, ensuring the guidelines adhere to global best practices. An assessment tool helped identify gaps between existing practices and WHO recommendations, informing priority actions for the new standards. The guidelines are already being implemented in regions including Bolama, Farim, and Gabu, with plans to train and supervise health workers to improve care, promote the recommended eight antenatal visits, and support safer facility-based births.
The new framework also helps partners plan for medical equipment, training, and supervision to enhance service quality. Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, Acting WHO Representative in Guinea-Bissau, highlighted that setting clear health standards and strengthening services is crucial for lowering maternal deaths and improving overall life expectancy. These efforts contribute directly to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by reducing maternal and newborn mortality and expanding access to quality health care. Sustained investment, coordination, and training will be essential to ensure that more women and babies receive the care they need before, during, and after childbirth.
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