The extent of inequalities in relation to maternal and newborn health at community level: a baseline study in Ntchisi District, Malawi.

Abstract

This is a summary of findings from a social analysis studies carried out by CARE as a baseline study in implementing a community mobilization approach to improve maternal and newborn health (MNH).

The aim of the study was to find out the extent of the existing inequalities in relation to MNH. The study was conducted in three communities in Ntchisi district for a period of 8 months (October 2004 to May 2005). The findings revealed that there are social inequalities between women in accessing health services, information and support in maternal and neonatal health. Meaning that maternal health services at community level may not serve everyone due to criteria that is applied locally to decide who benefits. The study also found that there is inadequate capacity and coordination at community level in maternal health support system leading to inequalities in accessing maternal and newborn health services.

The study concluded that communities can play an effective role in facilitating MNH services if they can have common understanding and ownership of MNH issues for them to be mobilized and to facilitate access to MNH services.


Malawi Medical Journal Vol. 18 (2) 2006: pp. 72-76