In Kolda, giving birth remains a risky experience for too many women. Behind every complicated delivery, there is often a race against time, kilometers to cover, and sometimes tragedies that could have been avoided.

A fact sheet from the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene describes the demographic pressures facing the regional hospital. "In this region of Upper Casamance, the teams at the regional hospital are confronted with a difficult reality: patients arrive late due to a lack of nearby specialized facilities. And when a complication arises, every minute becomes critical."

Moreover, in this context, an ambitious project is emerging: "The construction of an 80-bed mother-child center, designed to sustainably transform the care of women and children in southern Senegal," the technical note continues.

She adds: "Tomorrow, this center will be more than just a building. It will be a space where women can give birth in safer conditions, where newborns in distress will be immediately cared for, and where families will find more humane support."

Indeed, with its obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, neonatology, kangaroo care, and intensive care services, the facility will be able to manage both routine deliveries and the most critical emergencies. For healthcare professionals, "it also means the prospect of working in better conditions, with appropriate equipment and a safe environment."

Shorten distances, save lives

Today, the remoteness of specialized facilities remains a major obstacle. Many women have to travel long distances before accessing adequate care. By bringing these services closer to the population, the future center will limit emergency evacuations, reduce waiting times, and, above all, increase the chances of survival for mothers and newborns.

With an estimated cost of over 2.6 billion CFA francs, this project, led by the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, represents much more than an infrastructure investment. It is a strong commitment to life.

Over a period of 17 months, the work should lead to a gradual commissioning of this new hub, which is destined to become a benchmark in the entire southern region.

In Kolda, this project carries a crucial promise: to ensure that giving birth is no longer a risk. "Because beyond the numbers and the infrastructure, it's primarily about enabling every mother to return home with her healthy child," the document concludes.