Midwives at work in our infirmary
Midwifery in Burkina Faso Faces Major Challenges: High birth rates and often inadequate medical infrastructure in rural areas result in considerable risks for mothers and newborns. Infant mortality is alarmingly high, with 53.9 deaths per 1,000 births, especially compared to countries like Germany, where the rate is only 3. In rural areas, the lack of trained specialists and specialized care is particularly severe.
One unique aspect in Burkina Faso is the high proportion of male midwives, known as “maïeuticiens.” One in three midwives is male, a trend that historically dates back to the initiatives of former President Thomas Sankara, who aimed to improve healthcare, especially in rural areas. However, male midwives face additional barriers: cultural and religious beliefs lead many families, particularly in the Muslim north, to refuse male midwives during childbirth. In urban areas, female colleagues can often step in, but in rural regions, this is much harder to arrange.
Thanks to the GIZ-funded “Hospital Partnerships” program, the Institute of Tropical Medicine at Charité (ITMIG) has been able to strengthen its work in Burkina Faso, providing vital support for local healthcare services. The goal of this partnership is to improve the quality of midwifery care across all 69 health centers in the district, ultimately reducing high maternal and child mortality rates. Over 150 midwives and health workers have received training at the Opera Village. These sessions not only improve medical skills but also build the confidence of healthcare professionals and support the development of preventive health programs in local communities.
At our health center, we emphasize preventive education on topics such as nutrition, hygiene, and early disease detection. This benefits not only expectant mothers but also children in the Opera Village school, who learn important health practices. Since 2014, the clinic at the Opera Village has offered women, who previously often had to give birth at home without assistance, access to secure medical care, creating a safe space for mother and child.
In addition, the clinic provides comprehensive healthcare infrastructure tailored to the specific needs of the rural population. Alongside acute care, our team prioritizes sustainable preventive measures. Our goal is to achieve long-term improvements in the health situation and quality of life for people in Burkina Faso.
