A systems wide approach to delivering maternal and neonatal health care in Kenya

Charlotte Warren, Population Council
Wilson Liambila, Population Council
Jill Keesbury, Population Council, Nairobi

Between 2000 and 2003, Population Council and the University of Nairobi assisted the Ministry of Health to implement Safe Motherhood activities in Western Kenya. The purpose of the intervention was to increase utilisation of maternal health services. A quasi-experimental design of a before (in the year 2000) and after approach (in 2003) was used to assess the following interventions: improving provider competence and skills, strengthening health management systems, improving sustainable systems for equipment and supplies, improving the health management information system, improving referral systems, and strengthening essential obstetric care at community level. Emerging lessons emphasise the point that a systems wide approach based on a number of strategic interventions such as building partnerships, effective community action, use of skilled attendance at birth and guaranteeing a supportive and functional health management system is key to delivering quality maternal and neonatal health services and reducing morbidity and mortality.