Improving maternal and newborn health in Sub-Saharan Africa

This book reveals key areas for strengthening both the health system and the community. The findings emphasize the need for a systematic approach to overcome health-system constraints, for community based programmes and for scaling-up effective low-cost interventions which are already available. Behaviour change communication strategies capitalizing on common and positive themes in local beliefs about pregnancy and newborn care practices are key steps to improve maternal and newborn health. Women¿s access to income must be addressed strongly, as it might strengthen their bargaining power to influence place and timing of accessing skilled delivery. Promoting female education, especially primary and higher education, as well as continued health education, accompanied by a suitable and effective health care delivery system should lead to sustainable safer motherhood practices.