Six midwives in Senegal have been charged over a pregnant woman’s death in hospital this month in a case that has sparked outrage.
News24 reports that Astou Sokhna, who was nine months’ pregnant, died in a public hospital in early April in the northern town of Louga after she had repeatedly pleaded with doctors for a Caesarean section. However, it was refused on the grounds that the operation had not been planned in advance.
Health Minister Abdoulaye Diouf Sall confirmed that she died on 1 April. Lawyer Abdou Daff told AFP that the midwives were charged “for failing to assist a person in danger”.
A healthcare workers’ union has embarked on a three-day strike over their detention.
News24 article – Six Senegalese midwives charged over pregnant woman's death (Open access)
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
How COVID gave African countries the opportunity to improve public health
Lessons from Africa on how trust can repair a broken health care system
Despite HIV risk, withdrawing Depo-Provera could increase maternal mortality