“Our Monique”: A Clarion Call for Maternal Health Justice in Cameroon

By Bruno Ittia*

Every year, countless women in Cameroon face the harsh reality of maternal mortality – a preventable tragedy that robs families and communities of their mothers, daughters, and sisters. The harrowing story of Monique Koumatekel, a 34-year-old pregnant woman who tragically lost her life and her unborn twins due to a lack of access to adequate medical care, serves as a poignant reminder of this crisis.

It is this very crisis that the recently released documentary "Our Monique," produced by the Nkafu Policy Institute, a think tank of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation, shines a much-needed spotlight on. The documentary film is a powerful call to action, urging us to confront the systemic barriers that impede women's access to quality healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth.

While Cameroon has made progress in reducing maternal mortality rates, from 782 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2011 to 211 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023, according to the District Health Information Software, these figures remain unacceptably high when viewed through the lens of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 3.1.1, which aims to reduce the maternal mortality ratio to 70 deaths per 100,000 live births – a target that Cameroon has yet to achieve.

Beyond the cold statistics, however, "Our Monique" humanizes the issue, reminding us that behind every number is a life lost, a family shattered, and a community robbed of its potential. In doing so, the documentary advocates for the fundamental rights of women to access safe, affordable, and quality healthcare services, calling for a systemic overhaul that prioritizes the health and well-being of pregnant women.

The barriers to maternal health in Cameroon are multifaceted and deeply rooted. Inadequate knowledge about reproductive health services and contraception, coupled with limited access to prenatal and obstetric care, contribute significantly to the problem.

Strikingly, only 67% of births in Cameroon occur in health facilities, and a mere 59% of women receive postpartum care within 48 hours after giving birth. Moreover, the documentary highlights the obstacles hindering the implementation of a functional private health insurance system in Cameroon, a crucial component in ensuring equitable access to healthcare services.

According to the 2018 Demographic and Health Survey, only 3% of women and 5% of men are covered by private health insurance schemes, underscoring the urgent need to address the barriers to enrollment, which include lack of trust, perceived high premiums, and complex claims processing systems.

"Our Monique" serves as a powerful reminder that maternal mortality is not merely a health issue but a fundamental human rights concern. As such, it calls on policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities to collaborate in implementing sustainable solutions that save lives and empower women.

While the government's efforts, such as the progressive implementation of Universal Health Coverage and the normalization of providing care before payment during emergencies, are commendable steps, they are not enough. We must amplify the messages raised in "Our Monique" to drive positive change and ensure that no woman faces the same fate as Monique.

It is time for Cameroon to prioritize maternal health as a national imperative, investing in robust healthcare infrastructure, training skilled birth attendants, and promoting equitable access to quality prenatal and postnatal care. Additionally, addressing the barriers to private health insurance coverage and fostering trust in the system is crucial to achieving universal health coverage and safeguarding the lives of mothers and their newborns.

As a nation, we have a collective responsibility to honour Monique's memory and the countless other women who have died preventable deaths due to inadequate maternal healthcare.

"Our Monique" is not merely a documentary; it is a call to action, a rallying cry for us to unite and work tirelessly towards a future where every woman has the right to a safe and healthy pregnancy and childbirth.

Let us join together in amplifying the message of "Our Monique" and demanding maternal health justice for all women in Cameroon. Only then can we create a world where no woman is left behind, and every life is cherished and protected.

*Bruno Ittia, is the Deputy Director of Communications of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation. He has Bruno over 8 years of experience in spearheading strategic communications, leading high-performing teams, and driving impactful initiatives.