On May 22, 2024, in the presence of the Secretary General of the Ministry of Health, the workshop for validation of the rapid survey on Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care in Gabon was officially launched. This event marks a crucial step in obtaining a precise mapping of the capacities of the country's health facilities to provide adequate healthcare for mothers and children.

Both the Resident Representative and the Secretary General of the Ministry of Health emphasized the strategic importance of this survey. They highlighted the primary goal of assessing and strengthening the infrastructure and skills necessary to ensure quality emergency obstetric and neonatal care across Gabon.

The workshop allowed participants to discuss preliminary survey findings, highlighting challenges and opportunities in the delivery of obstetric and neonatal care. Immediate actions will be implemented post-survey, specifically targeting identified priority facilities and other regions in the country requiring capacity strengthening.

The recommendations from this workshop will serve as the basis for developing concrete action plans aimed at improving maternal and child health practices and policies in Gabon. This collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Health, UNFPA, and other international partners demonstrates a shared commitment to continuously improving healthcare for the most vulnerable populations.

In conclusion, the launch of this rapid survey represents a significant step towards achieving sustainable development goals in healthcare in Gabon. It also illustrates a collective determination to create a more resilient and inclusive healthcare system capable of effectively meeting the complex needs of maternal and child health in the country.