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Review
. 2024 Jun;165(3):849-859.
doi: 10.1002/ijgo.15553. Epub 2024 Apr 23.

Global health systems strengthening: FIGO's strategic view on reducing maternal and newborn mortality worldwide

Jezid Miranda  1   2 , Suellen Miller  3 , Nikita Alfieri  4 , Andre Lalonde  5 , Edgar Ivan-Ortiz  6 , Claudia Hanson  7 , Margit Steinholt  8   9 , Nandita Palshetkar  10 , Harris Suharjono  11 , Stefan Gebhardt  12 , Jean-Paul Dossou  13 , Debra Pascali-Bonaro  14 , Bo Jacobsson  15   16   17 , Pius Okong  18 ; FIGO Committee on Health Systems Strengthening and Respectful Care
Collaborators, Affiliations
Review

Global health systems strengthening: FIGO's strategic view on reducing maternal and newborn mortality worldwide

Jezid Miranda et al. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2024 Jun.

Abstract

Objective: To demonstrate that successful health systems strengthening (HSS) projects have addressed disparities and inequities in maternal and perinatal care in low-income countries.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review covered the period between 1980 and 2022, focusing on successful HSS interventions within health systems' seven core components that improved maternal and perinatal care.

Results: The findings highlight the importance of integrating quality interventions into robust health systems, as this has been shown to reduce maternal and newborn mortality. However, several challenges, including service delivery gaps, poor data use, and funding deficits, continue to hinder the delivery of quality care. To improve maternal and newborn health outcomes, a comprehensive HSS strategy is essential, which should include infrastructure enhancement, workforce skill development, access to essential medicines, and active community engagement.

Conclusion: Effective health systems, leadership, and community engagement are crucial for a comprehensive HSS approach to catalyze progress toward universal health coverage and global improvements in maternal and newborn health.

Keywords: health systems strengthening; low‐ and middle‐income countries; maternal health; newborn care; sustainable development goals; universal health coverage.

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References

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