In this study, the authors aimed to describe the maternal health policy environment and examines its relationship with maternal health service utilization in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Findings suggest that despite the availability of supportive structures and free maternity service access policies, there is a dire need for stronger policy support for clinical guidelines and practice regulations, as well as national reporting and review systems for maternal health. A more favorable policy environment for maternal health can improve adoption of evidence-based interventions and increase utilization of maternal health services in LMICs.

https://jogh.org/2023/jogh-13-04025

References

  1. Mary M, Maliqi B, Stierman EK, Dohlsten MA, Moran AC, Katwan E, Creanga AA. Assessing the neonatal health policy landscape in low- and middle-income countries: Findings from the 2018 WHO SRMNCAH policy survey. J Glob Health. 2023 Mar 3;13:04024. doi: 10.7189/jogh.13.04024.

  2. Khatri RB, Durham J, Karkee R, Assefa Y. High coverage but low quality of maternal and newborn health services in the coverage cascade: who is benefitted and left behind in accessing better quality health services in Nepal? Reprod Health. 2022 Jul 19;19(1):163. doi: 10.1186/s12978-022-01465-z.

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