New Open-Access Publication on Delays in Emergency Obstetric Care in Conflict-Affected Cameroon | Tosi Jones Nkwain

Maternal mortality remains a major public health challenge in many low-resourced and conflict-affected settings. We are pleased to share our recent open-access publication examining delays in accessing and receiving emergency obstetric care among women in the Northwest Region of Cameroon.

Presenting the research findings at a midwifery conference in Buea, March 2026

The study investigated the second delay (delay in reaching a health facility) and the third delay (delay in receiving adequate care after arriving at a facility) among 472 postnatal women attending major referral health facilities. The findings revealed that transportation barriers, insecurity related to the ongoing conflict, poor road networks, referral challenges, shortages of healthcare personnel, and limitations in essential obstetric resources contributed significantly to delays in obtaining life-saving maternal healthcare.

These findings highlight the urgent need to strengthen referral systems, improve emergency transportation, enhance health facility readiness, and invest in maternal health services in conflict and humanitarian settings. Addressing these barriers is essential for reducing preventable maternal deaths and improving maternal health outcomes in Cameroon and similar contexts.

The full article is available here:

https://rdcu.be/fheKv

About the Author

Tosi Jones Nkwain is a PhD. candidate in Public Health Policy and Administration at The University of Bamenda, Cameroon. He is a midwife, lecturer, public health researcher, and founder of Tosi's Mother and Child Health Foundation. His work focuses on maternal health, emergency obstetric care, health systems strengthening, and reducing preventable maternal mortality in conflict-affected and resource-limited settings.