The agenda of the meeting included several key points. Firstly, a comprehensive report on the Rapid SONU (Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care) Survey was presented, with a decision made to send this report to the Minister of Health. The objective is to raise awareness among authorities regarding the survey's findings and recommendations, while considering a roundtable discussion with relevant stakeholders, including health authorities and international partners.

Another critical topic addressed was the distribution of midwives across Gabon. Discussions underscored

existing challenges related to uneven deployment of medical personnel, particularly in rural and remote regions.

It was agreed to develop an action plan to strategically redeploy midwives where they are most needed, in close coordination with the Ministry of Health and local partners.

Additionally, a program funded by the Embassy of Japan was reviewed, focusing on the use of technologies such as cardiotocographs to monitor fetal health and detect complications early. A new funding opportunity for acquiring portable ultrasounds was also discussed, aimed at reducing preventable maternal deaths by improving early and accurate diagnostics.

Simultaneously, a mentoring program for midwives was proposed

to facilitate skills transfer across generations, thereby enhancing the quality of care provided.

The implementation of an e-learning system was discussed as a solution to continuously improve the skills of maternal and neonatal health professionals nationwide.

In conclusion, the meeting between the UNFPA Resident Representative and ASFG underscored a shared commitment to improving maternal and neonatal care in Gabon. Through tangible initiatives and close collaboration with national and international stakeholders, the goal is to transform current challenges into opportunities, ensuring better access and quality of healthcare for women and children throughout the country.

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