Progress and Purpose: A Nation Reframes Childbirth
In under a decade, Senegal has dramatically reduced its maternal mortality rate, a testament to strategic health reforms and close collaboration with international partners. The country’s journey from 392 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2015 to 153 in 2023 reflects more than statistics—it signals a shift in how women experience pregnancy and delivery across urban and rural communities alike.
WHO-Recommended Care Models in Practice
Central to this transformation are the World Health Organization (WHO)–recommended care models for respectful, evidence-based maternity care. Senegal has prioritized three pillars: skilled birth attendance with timely emergency obstetric care, patient-centered and respectful care, and robust referral and transport systems to bridge gaps between primary centers and higher-level facilities.
In practice, this has meant upgrading midwifery training, standardizing clinical protocols, and implementing continuous quality improvement cycles. Health facilities now emphasize early detection of danger signs, safer cesarean decision-making, and the right balance between facility-based care and community support to reduce delays in seeking care.
Bringing Care Closer to Women
One hallmark of the reform is the reach of services into communities. Community health workers and traditional birth attendants are integrated into the formal maternity care pathway, ensuring expectant mothers are connected to facilities before labor begins. This closer-to-home approach reduces the time between the onset of labor and seeking appropriate care, a critical factor in preventing complications.
Quality of Care and Respectful Practices
Beyond clinical outcomes, the reforms place a premium on respectful maternity care. Training emphasizes consent, privacy, and clear communication, which helps to build trust between families and health facilities. When women feel heard and supported, they are more likely to seek care in a timely fashion and complete postpartum follow-up—two components essential to sustaining maternal health gains.
Regional Spotlight: Yeumbeul and Beyond
Urban neighborhoods such as Yeumbeul illustrate how national policy translates into local impact. Investments in mentoring, supply chains, and data use have created an environment where midwives can practice their skills with confidence and women can access reliable care without unnecessary delays. While Yeumbeul represents a dynamic urban setting, rural districts are also reaping benefits through improved transport networks and telemedicine support for isolated facilities.
Data-Driven Momentum and Remaining Challenges
While the decline in maternal mortality is substantial, experts caution that continued momentum requires sustained funding, continuous workforce development, and ongoing monitoring. Data systems are increasingly capable of tracking live birth outcomes, obstetric complications, and patient satisfaction, enabling health authorities to pinpoint gaps and allocate resources efficiently.
A Model with Global Relevance
Senegal’s experience demonstrates how adopting WHO-recommended care models can accelerate progress toward the global goal of virtually eliminating preventable maternal deaths. By combining skilled care, patient-centered practices, and effective referral networks, the country offers a blueprint that other nations facing similar challenges can adapt to their contexts.
Looking Ahead
The path forward involves consolidating gains, expanding access for the most vulnerable communities, and continuing to elevate the standard of maternity care. With a data-informed approach and strong community engagement, Senegal can sustain its remarkable trajectory and inspire broader action in maternal health.
