Improving emergency obstetric care in Mozambique: The story of Sofala

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2006

Authors

Santos, C (Author) FMUP; Diante, D (Author) Other; Baptista, A (Author) Other; Matediane, E (Author) Other; Bique, C (Author) Other; Bailey, P (Author) Other

Journal

Title: International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Vol. 94

Pages: 190-201

ISSN: 0020-7292

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge

Scopus - 32 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-008-PQ9

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2006.05.024

Abstract (EN): Objective: The 5-year project in the province of Sofala was designed to improve access, quality and utilization of emergency obstetric care (EmOC) by strengthening rural hospitals and health centers and ultimately the health system's capacity to respond to emergencies more quickly and effectively. Methods: Implementation consisted of attention to infrastructure, human resource development, transportation and communication systems, and management. Specific management aspects that were targeted for improvement included: supportive supervision, logistics for supplies, equipment and drugs, record keeping, monitoring and evaluation, and quality improvement techniques such as maternal death audits. Results: Access to EmOC improved with an increase in the number of fully functional EmOC facilities from 4 to 18. The number of women with obstetric complications who were admitted for treatment in participating facilities tripled, and the proportion of those women dying declined by half. Conclusions: Close collaboration and partnership with the provincial health directorate make the sustainability of many results likely while the replication of much of the Sofala model to other provinces is promising for the national strategy to reduce maternal mortality. © 2006 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific