Togo’s Wezou Program Drives Major Improvements in Maternal and Child Health

A Bold Commitment to Saving Lives

Togo has made significant strides in improving maternal and child health through its groundbreaking Wezou program (meaning “breath of life” in the Kabyè language). Launched in August 2021, this government initiative aims to provide comprehensive maternal and neonatal care to all pregnant women and newborns across the country.

Guided by its vision that “no woman should die giving life,” Togo has already achieved promising results. The maternal mortality rate has been cut in half – dropping from 1.70% to 0.85% in just two years since the program’s implementation.

Financial Investment and Expanded Care Package

The Togolese government has invested 3 billion CFA francs (over $5 million USD) to improve access to essential maternal healthcare services. This substantial funding covers:

• Full healthcare provider fees
• Medical tests and screenings
• Prenatal consultations (CPN)
• Hospitalization costs
• Basic delivery supplies
• Essential postnatal care

The program has progressively expanded its services to include pharmacy benefits, blood typing, and ultrasound examinations – creating a more comprehensive healthcare package for expectant mothers.

Measurable Impact on Maternal Health

Since its launch, the Wezou program has benefited a growing number of women and newborns:

• 650,000+ pregnant women and newborns served (2021-2024)
• 3.2 million services provided (prenatal consultations, tests, medications, and deliveries)
• 633,426 total beneficiaries by September 2024
• 27,000+ new enrollees in September 2024 alone

At the Cacavéli Medical-Social Center (CMS), 699 women received care through Wezou between January and April 2022. By January 2023, nearly 290,000 pregnant women were enrolled in the program at a cost of approximately 2.1 billion CFA francs.

Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Maternal Care

These achievements stem from collaborative efforts between multiple organizations:

• The Togolese Ministry of Health
• Santé Intégrée (Integrated Health)
• The Health Financing Alliance
• UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund)

Since November 2020, these partners have worked together to develop and implement essential maternal health services nationwide. Their collaboration demonstrates Togo’s commitment to creating an effective, inclusive healthcare system that leaves no woman behind.

This article summarizes an original report from Togotimes. Full credit goes to the original source.