Bintu Kone* gave birth to her child Issa* in Dec. 2017. At 42 years old, it was her first full-term pregnancy after experiencing two preterm births – of which neither child survived.
Kone, who lives in a rural village in the southern region of Mali, says Born on Time’s program, implemented by Save the Children in Mali, was essential to keeping her informed about her reproductive health, supporting her throughout her pregnancy and helping her deliver her son safely.
“Thanks to the assistance of the program, I was more confident knowing that I had support. I am happy that this baby is safe,” Kone says.
Poor access to health care and low rates of female autonomy are among the many roadblocks that women in Mali face when pregnant. About 12 per cent of babies are born prematurely in the West African country – most of whom have a low chance of survival, as 30 per cent of neonatal deaths are due to prematurity.
Born on Time is tackling this issue through a holistic, community-based approach. The initiative aims to improve the quality of reproductive health services throughout the Sikasso Region in Southern Mali, and equip couples like Kone and her husband with the tools they need to support a healthy pregnancy. This includes knowledge of preterm birth risk factors, and the importance of antenatal visits, vaccinations and healthy, nutritious foods.