Feasibility of the eight or more contacts of the WHO new antenatal care model in Cote d’Ivoire: an antenatal care providers’ perspective

Abstract

This paper examines the feasibility of the eight or more ANC contacts in Cote d’Ivoire through a qualitative study among twenty antenatal care providers through individual interviews. The eight or more ANC contacts were found useful as they will allow a better follow up of the pregnancy. Main barriers were: the lack of training on the 2016 WHO ANC model, the late initiation of ANC and the fear of increased workload. Drivers identified were: availability of supplies, adoption and dissemination of the new guidelines, assignment of antenatal care providers in underserved area, digitization of the mother and child health handbook, pregnant women and community engagement, intensification of communication for behavior change and a good relationship provider-pregnant woman-community. To ensure appropriate design and effective delivery of the eight or more ANC contacts, attention should be paid to barriers and facilitators identified. (Afr J Reprod Health 2021; 25[5]: 150-160).