The baseline study, carried out in Ethiopia in 2012, gathered information about the frequency, quality and equity of interactions that women have with fronline workers during pregnancy, delivery and in the first 28 days after birth, and to estimate the coverage of life-saving interventions that frontline workers are able to deliver to mothers and newborns.

The report outlines the methods and results from the baseline study.

Summary

Overall, the survey results present a clear picture of maternal and newborn primary health care in the study area.

Frequency

Over half of women receive some pregnancy care. Although higher than previous estimates, the number of women having skilled attendance at birth was still low in 2012, and post-natal and post-partum care were largely absent.

Quality

Maternal and newborn health workers working in primary health facilities were relatively well prepared to deliver basic care, and their knowledge of appropriate care was high. Conversely, health extension workers working at sub-posts were less well prepared to deliver care across the continuum from pregnancy to newborn care, underlining the importance of the primary health care unit as a model for health care delivery.

Equity

Inequalities in health care access were observed, with the poorest women receiving the least care.

Poster: Evidence to improve maternal and newborn health in Ethiopia, North East Nigeria and Uttar Pradesh, India