Equatorial Guinea strengthens health facilities to boost access to reproductive health services

The Republic of Equatorial Guinea (Republica de Guinea Ecuatorial, along with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), is working to strengthen and equip health facilities throughout the country to boost access to reproductive health services. The rebuilding process includes the construction and renovation of health centers and maternity units as well as proper training for medical students.

"As part of our partnerships with the international community, we are sending our medical students to countries like Mali to study obstetrics, and to other countries, like Germany, Spain and Cuba to receive advanced medical training," Francisco-Pascual Obama Asue, Equatorial Guinea's Minister of Health and Social Welfare said in an interview.

A video of Minister Obama Asue's interview.

This exchange program was set up to address the rising concern of fistula and cervical cancer. To further address the issue, a campaign was launched by the First Lady to encourage women to receive proper care and early screening for cervical cancer. The campaign was immensely successful and led to the surgical intervention of fistula cases. Because of this, informational tools on fistula are now integrated into the minimum health care package.

"Today, we are just starting to develop our medical training and capacity, but we are working every day to build up our resources and improve our skills. I think that by 2020, Equatorial Guinea will not be completely rid of all its obstacles, but my hope as Minister of Health is that we have medical facilities and conditions that meet the needs of our people and to have acceptable health centers and sanitary conditions," Minister Francisco-Pasual Obama Asue said.

Equatorial Guinea is committed to the health and well being of its people and continues to make significant investments to ensure critical health issues are addressed.

"Ultimately, our goal is to provide access to health care for all, fully funded by our government."