Breaking Taboos About Contraception in Benin: MSF’s Impact in Couffo
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has been addressing low healthcare access in Couffo, Benin, particularly among women of reproductive age. Since 2022, MSF has focused on training local women health promoters to facilitate community engagement in reproductive health practices. The initiative has shown promise in reducing maternal mortality and increasing awareness of contraception, thus contributing to better family planning and health outcomes.
In the southern department of Couffo, Benin, prior to the efforts of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the regular visitations to health centers by pregnant women and women of reproductive age were alarmingly low. This lack of medical check-ups led many women to give birth at home, contributing to high maternal and infant mortality rates due to inadequate prenatal care and access to contraception. As a result, around half of women of reproductive age faced significant barriers to contraceptive access.
Since 2022, MSF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has been striving for sustainable improvements in healthcare accessibility in Couffo. They have trained a network of women health promoters who bridge the gap between healthcare providers and local communities. These initiatives have led to increased regular monitoring of women’s health and prominent engagement of the community in healthcare decisions.
Léonie, a mother of five, represents the positive changes in her village. Previously unaware of the medical care necessary during pregnancies, she sought assistance after experiencing complications during her last pregnancy. Following proper medical guidance from a health center, Léonie received crucial support that ensured her safe delivery. Today, she is grateful for the health services that contributed to the well-being of her son, Précieux Magloire.
Hippolite oversees health promotion within the KTL health zone, focusing on educating community leaders, especially women, on reproductive health. He emphasizes the importance of awareness, noting, “If women do not know why they need to go to the health center, they will not go.” His commitment to addressing ignorance surrounding maternal health is vital in improving community outreach and healthcare access.
MSF aims to dismantle the long-standing stigma regarding contraception in Beninese society, with the understanding that informed decisions can enhance women’s health. As Hippolite stated, “The question of contraception has been a taboo subject in Beninese society for a long time.” He notes gradual shifts in perceptions, where couples are beginning to recognize the health benefits of proper birth spacing.
Lucienne, a trained community leader, has witnessed transformative results within her village, particularly among men. Establishing a referral system to health centers, she shared her previous misconceptions about contraception and its acceptance. Lucienne articulates, “When contraception is accepted in a household, it avoids many problems between partners,” highlighting the community dynamics influenced by awareness.
Felix, a father of six, exemplifies the shift in understanding regarding contraception. After losing two children, he is now informed about various contraceptive methods and the significance of birth spacing for family welfare. He reiterated the commitment to ensuring his family’s well-being, stating, “I, in turn, will pass the message on to my children so that this suffering never happens again.”
MSF continues to provide robust support in Couffo through health promotion activities and enhancements in six health centers. Their initiatives involve recruiting and training health personnel, rehabilitating facilities, and supplying necessary medical resources. Additionally, MSF addresses critical issues such as pre- and postnatal care, safe deliveries, family planning counseling, and support for victims of sexual violence, thereby striving for a healthier community.
The transformative efforts of MSF in Couffo, Benin, are gradually breaking down the barriers surrounding contraception and reproductive health. Through community involvement and awareness campaigns, women are beginning to access the health services they require, directly impacting maternal and infant health outcomes. This holistic approach aims to create a sustainable framework for health education and medical care, ensuring families can thrive and make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
Original Source: www.doctorswithoutborders.org
