04.07.2013 - In Burkina Faso, programmes to raise awareness of the benefits of assisted delivery are bearing fruit. However, even if they wish to give birth at the maternity hospital, many women cannot get there in time and are forced to have their baby at home.

Kombou Barry, 41, has always had her babies at the maternity hospital, but the distance she had to travel to get there in time was a constant worry: “My husband took me by bike when labour began, but it wasn’t easy, as my village is 10 kilometres away and the road is bad.”

It was to spare herself this anxiety that she decided to come and spend the end of her pregnancy in the maternity waiting home for pregnant women in Bissiga, which is close to the maternity hospital and health centre. It consists of two bedrooms, each with twin beds, one for the pregnant woman and one for her companion. And, since it opened in the summer of 2012, it has always been fully occupied.

“I wanted to come to the maternity waiting home, because it’s reassuring to be next to the health centre when labour starts. Also, I’m not alone, there’s always someone with me.”

As well as awareness sessions for the women and their husband, Enfants du Monde also supports villages setting up maternity waiting homes for pregnant women.

More information on our health programme in Burkina Faso