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

Miranda J 1 , Miller S 2 , Alfieri N 3 , Lalonde A 4 , Ivan-Ortiz E 5 , Hanson C 6 Show all authors , Steinholt M 7 , Palshetkar N 8 , Suharjono H 9 , Gebhardt S 10 , Dossou JP 11 , Pascali-Bonaro D 12 , Jacobsson B 13 , Okong P 14 , FIGO Committee on Health Systems Strengthening and Respectful Care

Affiliations 

  • 1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Grupo de Investigación en Cuidado Intensivo y Obstetricia (GRICIO), Universidad de Cartagena, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
  • 2 Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
  • 3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Paolo Hospital Medical School, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
  • 4 FIGO International Childbirth Initiative and Working Group, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
  • 5 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
  • 6 Public Health Sciences - Global Health - Health Systems and Policy, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
  • 7 Helgeland Hospital Trust, Sandnessjøen, Norway
  • 8 Department of Reproductive Medicine, Patil Medical College, Mumbai, India
  • 9 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
  • 10 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
  • 11 Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Humaine et en Démographie, Cotonou, Benin
  • 12 International Childbirth Consultant, Trainer, and Speaker, River Vale, New Jersey, USA
  • 13 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
  • 14 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St Francis Hospital Nsambya, Kampala City, Uganda
Int J Gynaecol Obstet, 2024 Jun;165(3):849-859.
PMID: 38651311 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15553

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.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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