During the launch of the Presidential Initiative to accelerate maternal mortality reduction in Guinea-Bissau, the Regional Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) West and Central Africa Regional Office (WCARO) asked His Excellency President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, to champion Maternal Mortality Reduction among Heads of States in West and Central Africa, the region with the highest burden in the world.
HE President Umaro Sissoco Embaló accepted and was named champion.
This announcement came during the launch of the UNFPA Regional Roadmap for the Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in West and Central Africa, marking a significant step towards addressing one of the most pressing public health challenges in the region.
The launch event, attended by government officials, healthcare professionals, and international partners, emphasized the urgent need for collective action to combat maternal mortality.
With Guinea-Bissau facing one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, the initiative aims to accelerate efforts to reduce preventable deaths associated with pregnancy and childbirth. The Regional Director of UNFPA WCARO highlighted the critical role that strong political leadership plays in driving meaningful change.
By demonstrating a firm commitment to improving maternal health, advocating for stronger healthcare systems, and prioritizing maternal mortality reduction as a national concern, President Embaló was recognized as a Champion who can help mobilize efforts at both national and regional levels.
“On behalf of the women and girls of Guinea-Bissau and of all of West and Central Africa, on behalf of every mother who dreams of giving birth safely, on behalf of those we have lost and those we can still save, UNFPA in West and Central Africa humbly asks you today to agree to be our Champion in the fight against maternal mortality within the family, or even better, within the exclusive circle of Heads of State! You have already played this role at the African level for malaria, and you will play this role for this noble cause,” said Dr Sennen Hounton, Regional Director UNFPA WCARO.
“Mr President, by choosing to lead this fight for the women of Guinea-Bissau, by making maternal health a personal mission, by refusing to let mothers continue to die giving life, you have become a true champion of this cause, yes for Guinea-Bissau, but more for us in West and Central Africa, and for us at the United Nations”, he added.
In his opening remarks, President Embaló expressed his gratitude for the recognition and underscored the importance of prioritizing maternal health in national policies. "It is an honor to be named a UNFPA Champion and I accept!" he stated. "This recognition reinforces our commitment to ensuring that every woman in Guinea-Bissau has access to safe healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth. We must work together to create a healthier future for our mothers and children."
The newly launched roadmap outlines a comprehensive strategy to improve maternal health services, emphasizing high-impact interventions such as enhancing emergency obstetric care, ensuring universal access to contraception, and addressing socio-cultural barriers that prevent women from accessing essential healthcare.
