Yellow Walls of Hope: Guinea Celebrates the Elimination of Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus

Guinea is the 49th out of 59 priority countries to eliminate MNT 

If you see it from a distance, it peeks out like a pop of hope with its yellow walls. The Bernaye-Fotoba health center in the vibrant Matoto commune of Conakry, Guinea, moves to its own rhythm. The hustle and bustle might seem like a routine dance — patients arriving, consultations in progress, vaccinations administered.  However, the current atmosphere carries extraordinary significance, perfectly encapsulated in the relentless work and dedication of this corner of health: after years of relentless effort, Guinea has officially eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT), becoming the 49th of 59 priority countries to achieve this remarkable milestone.

It is a period of political transition in the country. Hardship has been a common experience, affecting many aspects of daily life, including the health system, which has faced significant challenges in maintaining consistent and effective services. The mango season, nevertheless, is sweeter this year; it is a historic moment, a milestone that marks the beginning of a healthier future for countless mothers and their newborns in Guinea.

Tetanus is particularly common and serious among newborn babies and pregnant women who are not immunized

The bright yellow mangoes displayed at local market complement the yellow walls of the health center. Dressed in her blue scrubs and matching cap, Sambou Bayo, Expanded Program on Immunization agent and vaccinator, is sitting at her desk, carefully handling the paperwork and ensuring that every entry is accurate and up-to-date. Her workday has just started. Next to her, the vaccine cooler and various medical supplies are neatly arranged, highlighting her organized and methodical work approach.

"I've been a section head at the Bernaye-Fotoba health center for eight years," she says. "It is usually very busy. Every day, from Monday to Saturday, we vaccinate more than 20 women and 30 children. On Mondays and Fridays, we see more patients. For pregnant women, we give two doses of the tetanus vaccine, one month apart, and continue the vaccination after delivery."

The morning stretches ahead with a long line of mothers and their babies, some as young as 1 week old, waiting patiently under Bayo’s quiet and understanding gaze to receive their vaccinations. A melting pot of stories and a mosaic of life in Conakry.

"I'm currently seven months pregnant," says Assiatou, who is expecting her third child. "I came to get vaccinated today to protect myself from diseases and to ensure the health of my future baby. I've had regular vaccinations and antenatal check-ups since I started having children."

Bayo assesses the health of the mothers, exchanging quick anecdotes to put them at ease. She takes a look at the babies, and a smile can’t help but come to her face. Then, with the help of Aissatou, a trainee at the health center, she administers the vaccines.

I'm currently seven months pregnant. I came to get vaccinated today to protect myself from disease and to ensure the health of my future baby. — Assiatou, 27

"The main causes of neonatal tetanus are related to unsanitary delivery practices. Pregnant women who do not receive adequate antenatal care, who give birth at home using unsterilized instruments, or who are not fully vaccinated are at greater risk," says Bayo. "By systematically vaccinating pregnant women, we have been able to significantly contribute to maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination in Guinea. I encourage all women of childbearing age to be vaccinated regularly. The vaccine is free and available at all health centers."

In a corner, with shy eyes and a bright smile, Habigoulo is waiting for her turn. She is 20 and pregnant with her first child. Her actions betray some nervousness, but her resolve is strong. "I'm four months pregnant and this is my first pregnancy. Today I had my first tetanus vaccination to protect me and my baby. We have learned a lot at school about the importance of vaccinations for good health," she says.

Partners including Kiwanis International, P&G and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints work with UNICEF to eliminate MNT worldwide

Between 2020 and 2022, when the entire world was profoundly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, coverage of vaccinations against vaccine-preventable diseases, including tetanus and diphtheria vaccination for women of reproductive age, saw a significant decline. However, despite facing substantial challenges, Guinea Conakry persevered in its efforts to maintain immunization activities. These challenges included the suspension of supplementary immunization activities, a decrease in the demand for immunization services driven by fears of potential COVID-19 infection during vaccination sessions at health centers, the implementation of social distancing policies and movement restrictions due to lockdowns.

The MNT elimination in Guinea is the fruit of efforts made over a long period. With the contribution of donors such as Kiwanis International, P&G, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the CDC, UNICEF has been able to support the implementation of vaccination campaigns and assist the government in making vaccines available on a large scale. A crucial role was also played by community awareness campaigns and catch-up sessions carried out by professionals like Bayo. “We run community awareness campaigns to encourage women to be vaccinated.  As a result, there is less and less reluctance to vaccinate, and most people understand the importance of protecting themselves and their children," she says.

Djenné Kaba, a young mother who is pregnant with her second child and is waiting for her vaccine, echoes Bayo’s sentiments. "Before, I wasn't very well informed, but now, thanks to the awareness campaigns in my neighborhood, I know that it's essential to consult a doctor and follow the advice of health professionals, especially during pregnancy."

Just 10 countries have yet to eliminate MNT

With Guinea achieving elimination status, only 10 countries are still fighting to eliminate MNT: Afghanistan, Angola, Central African Republic, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Yemen. Some of them face major implementation challenges in their vaccination campaigns. UNICEF, with the support of partners and donors, is working to help reach this meaningful goal and pave the road for a healthier future for every mother and every child.

UNICEF won't stop until every mother and child is protected from tetanus. Support UNICEF and partner efforts to eliminate MNT worldwide. Donate today.

Donate

This story was originally published by unicef.org