“No woman should die giving life”
As the number of maternal deaths rate is on increase in the country, and with people advocating for the lives of pregnant women with the hashtag “Gambian women’s lives matter” circulating on social media, demanding for actions to be taken by the government and stop the rapid deaths of women in labour.

Fatoumatta Bah Barrow, the first lady of the Gambia promised to engage with relevant stakeholders to find a solution to these problems.
First lady on her official Facebook page on sunday, said
“Pregnancy and childbirth are special occasions that bring happiness in a family marking a new beginning, however, they continue to be connected with unfortunate deaths and sorrow in many countries, including our own. Reproductive healthcare and information need to be made an urgent priority by all stakeholders so as to make motherhood safer in our country #Gambia, especially when access to health care is a right, a women’s right.”
She said they will endeavour to engage with the relevant authorities and find means to look into the concern raised about maternal deaths
and maternal health as a whole.

“This is a cause that is close to my heart and which I am passionate about, and one that I have also been involved in and have my personal experience.” She said.

By: Awa Macalo is