COTONOU, Benin – 21 February 2026 – In a significant move to combat maternal mortality in Benin Republic, Prof. Joseph Akinkugbe Adelegan, Executive Director of Partners in Population and Development (PPD), met with Mr. Richmond TIEMOKO, the UNFPA Resident Representative for Benin, on 20th February 2026. The high-level meeting, held in Cotonou, centered on a potential project collaboration aimed at achieving Zero Maternal Mortality in the country.
During the courtesy visit, which was part of the Executive Director’s official mission to Benin, Prof. Adelegan formally introduced himself as the new head of PPD and provided a comprehensive overview of the organization’s mandate to promote South-South cooperation among its 28 member states. He emphasized PPD’s unique role in facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices in reproductive health, population, and sustainable development.
A key focus of the discussion was the shared commitment of PPD and UNFPA to eradicate preventable maternal deaths. The leaders explored a potential project collaboration on Zero Maternal Mortality in Benin Republic, a critical area of need. Prof. Adelegan highlighted that PPD could leverage the experiences and successful interventions from its member countries to support Benin’s efforts in this area.
Mr. TIEMOKO, a distinguished statistician-demographer with extensive experience in the UN system, welcomed the Executive Director and expressed strong interest in the proposed collaboration. The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding to continue the dialogue and develop a concrete framework for the Zero Maternal Mortality initiative.
This strategic engagement marks a significant step forward in the partnership between PPD and UNFPA Benin, with a clear focus on delivering tangible, life-saving results for the women and families of Benin Republic.
