Mother leaders, on the other hand, play a key role in raising awareness of eating habits and encouraging pregnant and breastfed women to visit health centers. They also organize kitchen demonstrations using local and affordable foods to combat malnutrition, a dangerous health problem in the region.
“Each week, we visit different districts to raise awareness,” said Neche Maïzena, mother chief. “The main challenge for families with sick children is the distance between them and health centers. But thanks to our efforts, more women are looking for consultations.”
In 2024, the mother and matrons chiefs reached nearly 36,500 people and referred more than 1,100 patients for various conditions, including prenatal and postnatal care, helped deliveries, vaccinations, malnutrition and sexual violence. Among these, 1,025 (91%) arrived in Kourgui Integrated Health Center, an increase of 40% compared to 2023.