A country suffering from inadequate obstetrics and gynecological healthcare services, Mauritania’s maternal and infant mortality rates rank as some of the highest globally; for every 1,000 live births, a staggering 50 infants face death. High-risk pregnancies, poor access to emergency assistance, low quality pre- and postnatal care in conjunction with various cultural and socioeconomic factors all contribute to the plateaued maternal mortality rate over the past two decades. Approximately 766 mothers die for every 100,000 live births. In the sub-Saharan African region, including Mauritania, 28% of maternal deaths are a result of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).

The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics published guidelines and protocols back in 2012 for preventing complications such as PPH. IMANA’s 2021 assessment of facilities in Mauritania showed a lack of training on these protocols as well as a lack of critically needed equipment and supplies.

IMANA stands strongly in advocating for quality-oriented healthcare, with appropriate personnel training and availability of essential equipment. We aim to help improve maternal morbidity and mortality rates through targeted Ob/Gyn education and training via regular mission trips by our specialists under our Women & Child Wellbeing project.