Breaking Taboos Around Contraception in Benin: MSF’s Impact in Couffo
Doctors Without Borders has made considerable advancements in healthcare in Couffo, Benin, by addressing the lack of access to medical care and contraception for women. They have implemented community outreach programs, trained local women leaders, and promoted family planning. These efforts have contributed to a decline in maternal and infant mortality rates, transforming healthcare attitudes within the region.
Before the arrival of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in the Couffo department of Benin, there was a notable absence of regular medical check-ups among pregnant women and women of reproductive age. Consequently, a significant number of these women opted for home births, resulting in high maternal and infant mortality rates. Moreover, nearly half of these women lacked access to contraception, highlighting a critical gap in healthcare services.
Since 2022, MSF, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, has focused on enhancing healthcare access for the communities in Couffo. They have initiated outreach and health promotion activities primarily delivered by women who have received training from MSF. This initiative has fostered a connection between local health centers and communities, particularly emphasizing regular monitoring for women.
One insightful case is that of Léonie, a mother of five. Initially unaware of the benefits of prenatal medical care, Léonie experienced significant health challenges during her pregnancy. However, after understanding the importance of professional medical assistance, she sought care from a health center, ultimately ensuring a safe delivery for her child, Précieux Magloire, who is in good health today.
Hippolite, who oversees health promotion in the KTL health zone, plays a crucial role in educating women leaders who advocate for improved reproductive health within their communities. His commitment to addressing ignorance regarding healthcare is evident, as he states, “If women don’t know why they need to go to the health center, they won’t go.”
MSF’s efforts have revolved around disseminating information about family planning methods to empower couples to make informed decisions regarding childbirth. Hippolite noted the taboo surrounding contraception, revealing that “Some people thought that a woman who controlled her pregnancies would become sterile.” He has observed a gradual shift in public perception as couples come to appreciate the health benefits of spacing pregnancies.
Lucienne, a trained leader in her village, reports positive changes, especially among men, in regard to healthcare involvement. She highlights that, “Before I became involved, I also thought that contraception made people sick and sterile,” demonstrating the powerful influence of education on community attitudes towards contraception.
The integration of contraceptive methods has substantially improved the well-being of families. For instance, Felix, who has experienced the heartbreak of losing children, now advocates for responsible family planning. He acknowledges that understanding contraception is vital for the health of his family: “Now we’re going to take good care of the children we already have, and we won’t have any more children.”
Since 2022, MSF has committed to long-term improvements in the Couffo department, providing support to six health centers and addressing the most severe cases in the local hospital. Their services include prenatal and postnatal consultations, safe deliveries, family planning counseling, and assistance for victims of sexual violence, thereby ensuring comprehensive healthcare is accessible to all.
In summary, the efforts of Doctors Without Borders in Couffo, Benin, have significantly impacted healthcare access, particularly for women. Through community outreach, education on reproductive health, and training local leaders, MSF has made strides in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. By breaking the taboos surrounding contraception, they are fostering a healthier future for families. Access to medical services is crucial for empowering women and enhancing overall community wellbeing.
Original Source: www.doctorswithoutborders.org
