Niger has prevalent cases of maternal and infant mortality, the country is therefore devicing means to curb this menace introducing initiatives like women’s empowerment, family planning which will benefit both mother and child, and poverty reduction.
In view of this World Bank has acknowledged the 100-day Rapid Results Initiatives (RRI) are assembling health personnel and community members for the first time to plan and device means to improve the effectiveness of healthcare in the country. One of the beneficiaries of this programme is Alimatou Idrissa a multiple-mother who shared her experience of having to give birth at home without any form of assistance, but now gives birth at the hospital since the RRI programme started.
According to the World Bank Group, RRI provides innovative solutions that are boosting the supply and demand for high quality health services for women and children, especially during the pandemic.
The purpose of the initiative is to ensure adequate attention and care is given to pregnant or expectant mothers, especially those who are multiple mother’s.
Recall that the Population and Health Support Project was launched in 2015 under the Ministry of Public Health and and funded by the World Bank with a sum of $103 million. The World Bank has noted that the project’ main goal is to affect 15 million people, that is 60% of women inorder to reducing maternal and infant mortality.
According to the World Bank 83% of Niger’s population live in rural areas and about 49% have access to a health facility within five kilometers of their home. One out of seven Nigerien women loses her life to pregnancy complications, some suffer trauma, infections, diseases, or disabilities. Poor feeding practices is also one of the causesof stunted growth in children below the age of 5.
World Bank noted that the initiative has revealed that, RRI approach can create a platform and influence mproved service delivery on the ground.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate