Non-state armed groups continued to operate in the north of the country, planting improvised explosive devices and launching violent attacks on government forces. MSF opened a new project in Atacora in August, aimed at tackling malaria, while also reinforcing the capacity of health staff to respond to emergencies.

Our teams started supporting Dassari health centre and Tanguieta by providing treatment for children and pregnant women with malaria, donating medical equipment, and offering financial assistance for the recruitment of additional staff to improve the quality of care. We also trained 138 people in mass-casualty management.

In the southern department of Couffo, MSF teams worked in four health centres in Klouékanmè, Toviklin and Lalo health zones, offering sexual, reproductive, obstetric, maternal, and neonatal care. We also donated medical equipment and funds to rehabilitate or extend the facilities, and improve their access to drinking water.

MSF implements a strong community engagement approach in Couffo, training female volunteers to spot warning signs during pregnancy and after childbirth, and offering advice to new mothers. At the end of the year, we started providing communities with tricycles to ensure the transport of pregnant women from their homes to health centres in case of complications.