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The President of SOMAGO’s Executive Board at the official launch ceremony of the Malian Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (SOMAGO) Social Pact activities in Kayes. Photo by IntraHealth International staff.
Supported by the MOMENTUM Safe Surgery in Family Planning and Obstetrics project and the Malian Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (SOMAGO) that provides essential health services to women and strengthens local health systems.
From October 31 to November 2, 2024, the Malian Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics organized regional health days in Kayes, bringing together health professionals from across Kayes, Koulikoro, Mopti, Ségou, and Sikasso. These events aimed to provide essential health services to women and strengthen local health systems to reduce maternal and newborn mortality.
With the support of the MOMENTUM Safe Surgery in Family Planning and Obstetrics project, funded by USAID, this initiative sought to deliver high-quality care to communities in a close-to-home approach.
Concrete impact for women in Kayes
Over the three days, health workers screened 5,230 women for cervical and breast cancer. Health workers identified 263 positive cases of human papillomavirus (HPV) and treated 211 women for cervical cancer through thermocoagulation under the "screen-and-treat" approach. Additionally, health workers performed 192 breast biopsies and detected 63 cases of breast abnormalities.
Health workers identified 426 cases of high-risk pregnancies and conducted 324 ultrasounds. These combined efforts ensured timely and effective care, and most importantly, no maternal deaths were reported during the event.
These regional days showcase the strong commitment of SOMAGO and the MOMENTUM project to advancing the health of women and newborns in Mali. By bringing health care services closer to communities and sharing best practices, these initiatives directly contribute to reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.
MOMENTUM Mali: A key player in women’s health
Since 2020, the MOMENTUM Safe Surgery in Family Planning and Obstetrics project has been a driving force in transforming maternal and newborn health in Mali. The initiative works to reduce maternal and newborn mortality while promoting voluntary family planning. Through continuous training, digital technology integration, and collaboration with local governments and communities, the project strengthens health systems to provide safe and high-quality surgical care.
Partnership to strengthen local capacity
During these health days, the MOMENTUM Safe Surgery project provided crucial technical support to regional health system leaders by actively participating in maternal and neonatal death audits. The maternal and neonatal health technical advisor, alongside other experts, contributed to improving the tools and practices at the Fousseynou Daou Regional Hospital in Kayes. The team conducted a comprehensive review of maternal and neonatal death surveillance data in the region, covering the period from January to September 2024. Based on these analyses, concrete recommendations were made to health care providers, hospital authorities, and the Regional Health Directorate in Kayes.
Presentation of MOMENTUM Safe Surgery in Family Planning and Obstetrics (MSSFPO) Mali project by the MERL Officer. Photo by IntraHealth International staff.
Members of the SOMAGO Council of Elders in the audience during the presentation. Photo by IntraHealth International staff.
Plenary hall during SOMAGO's scientific dinner. Photo by IntraHealth International staff.
Sharing expertise and digital innovations
The MOMENTUM Safe Surgery project also shared its expertise during the health days through two key presentations delivered by its Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning officer:
1. The impact of the "PeriSurge Diploma" on reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity following Cesarean sections.
2. Digital health interventions to promote maternal and neonatal health.
These presentations highlighted the importance of ongoing training and innovation in improving health care delivery. They demonstrated how initiatives like the MOMENTUM project are making a tangible difference in the lives of women.
Widespread awareness
To maximize the dissemination of information, the MOMENTUM project partnered with CHERIFLA TV to ensure comprehensive media coverage of the event. This effort raised public awareness of the challenges and solutions surrounding maternal and newborn health in Mali.
These regional days showcase the strong commitment of SOMAGO and the MOMENTUM project to advancing the health of women and newborns in Mali. By bringing health care services closer to communities and sharing best practices, these initiatives directly contribute to reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.
To learn more about the MOMENTUM project’s efforts in Mali and discover how you can support these essential initiatives, visit their website or follow them on social media. Together, we can continue building a healthier future for women and families in Mali.