The people of Kédougou can finally breathe a sigh of relief. After more than two years of closure for renovations, the operating theater at the Kédougou health center officially reopened this weekend. This reopening was eagerly awaited in a region where the need for emergency obstetric care remains critical.

A long but successful process

According to Abdoulaye Barro, executive secretary of the Health Development Committee (CDS) of Kédougou, this reopening is the culmination of meticulous work and strong local mobilization.

“Since our installation, we have set ourselves two objectives: to offer accessible care to underprivileged populations and to reopen this operating theatre. The regional health director played a major role in removing the obstacles that were hindering this resumption,” he explains.

One of the main difficulties was maintaining the positions of five midwives who had previously been supported by the district.

“If we had lost these midwives, the unit could not have functioned. The CDS decided to take full responsibility for them to guarantee continuity of care,” continues Abdoulaye Barro.

The CDS is also committed to ensuring the supply of essential medications for the operating room. But there are many challenges, particularly regarding energy.

“We have a generator, but the cost of fuel is exorbitant. In 24 hours, we consumed more than 240 liters of diesel. At this rate, the CDS will not be able to sustain this burden in the long term. We are appealing to anyone willing to help to support the operation of the unit,” he pleads.

A complete renovation and modern equipment

Present at the ceremony, the regional director of Health, Dr. Ababacar Mbaye, expressed his delight at the quality of the work carried out thanks to the support of ISMEA, the main financial partner.

"ISMEA has honored its commitment by completely rehabilitating the block and equipping it with modern equipment, capable of ensuring satisfactory care for referred patients," he emphasizes.

The tour of the facilities revealed several major improvements, namely the complete rehabilitation of the ceiling which previously had leaks, the installation of a new surgical lamp for better visibility in the operating room, the creation of a newborn corner with a heated table, the installation of an electric vacuum cleaner facilitating neonatal resuscitation and the equipping of a four-bed recovery room, each bed equipped with an oxygen source.

A major impact expected on maternal mortality

Dr. Mbaye emphasizes the vital importance of reopening this facility.

“Senegal has a maternal mortality rate of 153 deaths per 100,000 live births. In Kédougou, this rate climbs to 430, the highest in the country. This operating theatre will allow us to increase the rate of cesarean sections needed to save lives,” he says.

The region now has three operational operating blocks: the Kédougou health center, the regional hospital and the Saraya health center.

"With the synergy of these three structures, we can hope for a real and lasting reduction in maternal mortality in the region," the regional director concluded.

A new hope for families

The reopening of the operating theatre thus marks a new beginning for access to obstetric and surgical care in a region where distances and limited resources often complicate emergencies.

Now, health authorities and local communities are hoping for a united effort to ensure the sustainability of this essential achievement.