Over 800 maternal deaths occur worldwide daily, affecting women of childbearing age (15–49) in mainly resource-limited settings.
Sub-Saharan Africa alone accounted for around 70% of maternal deaths. The maternal mortality rate in Cameroon is still high at 406 deaths, and we are still far from reaching the SDG target of 70 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Thus, to address this, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all women and girls, including those living with disabilities, have equal access to quality and timely health services before, during, and after pregnancy. Therefore, addressing health risks and establishing healthier habits during the preconception period is essential for the prevention of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. This involves both men and women of reproductive age (15 – 49 years).
For the first three weeks of November 2024, the Talk Pregnancy with Dr Noella team has been visiting several health facilities in different communities and different health districts reaching over 200 women and men in the conflict-hit zone of the Northwest Region to improve sensitization and practice of preconception care. We targeted women and men who come to vaccinate their children, given that the women are more likely to get pregnant within the next year or two making them very fit to practice preconception care. This strategy will lead to the identification of complications and thus timely management. Secondly, taking folic acid daily at least three months before pregnancy will decrease the number of children born with a disability. Lastly, we encourage women to plan their pregnancies, and this leads to a decrease in the number of unwanted pregnancies.
On November 19th, 2024, we visited the Tubah District Hospital. We reached out to over 50 women and 4 men. Out of the 54 persons unfortunately only 5 had heard of preconception care talk less of practicing it. 44 were screened for hypertension and diabetes and those with abnormal results were linked up with the nurses and doctors in the hospital for continuous care.
Folic acid was distributed to more than 40 women to decrease the risk of children born with malformation.
We want to express our sincere thanks to the Director of the Tubah District Hospital Dr Dingana for his hospitality and great work to promote community health.
Thanks to all the nurses of Tubah District Hospital and the volunteers of Talk Pregnancy With Dr Noella (TPWDN) for the work job. Together we will advance preconception care in Cameroon and Africa
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Talk Pregnancy with Dr. Noela (TPWDN), November 2024
To support or sponsor more outreach programs, for Mother and Child Welfare, please, reach out to the TPWDN Team
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