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Every year, April 7 marks World Health Day, a time for reflection and action on critical issues shaping healthcare systems worldwide. In 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) is shining a spotlight on a vital challenge: maternal and neonatal health. In the fight for life, Africa remains one of the most affected regions, where health systems face complex obstacles.
The numbers speak for themselves. Sub-Saharan Africa records the highest maternal mortality rate in the world, with more than half of global maternal deaths occurring in this region. As for newborns, their first week of life remains the most fragile, often marked by preventable complications. These deaths, though avoidable, are frequently linked to limited access to prenatal care, a shortage of qualified healthcare personnel, and inadequate medical infrastructure.
African health systems face several well-known challenges that hinder progress in maternal and neonatal health:
– Lack of adequate medical infrastructure: Many rural areas lack hospitals and specialized centers capable of handling obstetric complications.
– Shortage of medical personnel: The doctor-to-patient ratio remains critically low, and the training of midwives and obstetricians is often insufficient.
– Limited access to prenatal and postnatal care: Many pregnant women do not receive adequate medical follow-up.
– Socio-economic and cultural factors: Poverty and certain traditional practices limit access to healthcare.
– Conflict zones: Ongoing insecurity prevents access to healthcare services.
Despite these challenges, notable progress is emerging. Training programs for midwives, the integration of new technologies in telemedicine, and community mobilization are gradually improving healthcare access. Initiatives such as universal health coverage and the use of artificial intelligence for early diagnosis offer promising prospects.
Africa can and must transform its healthcare system into a protective force for every mother and newborn. This is not just a health necessity—it is a human imperative. On this World Health Day, the time has come to act so that every birth is no longer a risk but a celebration of life.
Afiya.
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