Press Release: New EU support for access to health care for women and small children in Guinea-Bissau

The European Union has decided to finance a new programme to facilitate access to basic health care for pregnant women and children under five in the regions of Biombo, Cacheu, Ohio and Farim in Guinea-Bissau, which between them have a population of approximately 520 000.

The Integrated Mother and Child Health Programme (Programme Intégré de santé Maternelle et Infantile - PIMI), to which the EU is contributing EUR 5.5 million, will make medicines available at rural health centres during a first, 36-month phase. It will also facilitate the daily work of healthcare staff by improving their training and supplying equipment. Since 52% of the population live more than 5 km from a healthcare centre, the programme includes basic healthcare training for members of the most remote village communities so that they can respond to immediate needs, particularly in the case of women and children. Consultation with health professionals and essential medical supplies will also be provided free of charge.