In this first episode of our three-part miniseries, "Transforming Maternal and Newborn Health," we dive into a groundbreaking quality improvement programme that has made significant strides in integrating HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria services into antenatal and postnatal care across Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania.

We explore emerging evidence on how health systems can adapt and respond to changing landscapes, including the impact of COVID-19, to deliver better outcomes for mothers and newborns. Featuring insights from leading experts, we discuss the challenges, successes, and innovative approaches that have strengthened the capacity of health workers and improved access to essential care. This episode sets the stage for the next discussions on capacity building and sustainability, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in global health and health systems strengthening.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Introduction and Series Overview

00:01:30 – Responding to COVID-19 and Building Resilience

00:03:20 – Maternal Health Challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa

00:04:45 – Strengthening Health Workforce Capacity

00:06:20 – Key Findings and Lessons Learned

00:08:04 – Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Mental Health

00:09:17 – Practical Impact and Stories from Nigeria

00:11:54 – Next Steps and Future Recommendations

00:14:19 – Adapting to COVID-19 Challenges

00:17:15 – Final Advice and Conclusions

In this episode:

Dr. Rael Mutai, Regional Technical Advisor (MNH), Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine Tropical

Rael is a public health specialist with over 21 years’ experience in health and development. She is passionate about health systems strengthening, Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights and Quality Maternal and Newborn Health. Rael has been involved with the programme in the last 3 years, as the Regional Technical Adviser for Kenya and Tanzania. The Programme uses global evidence customized to country context for improved maternal and newborn outcomes. The programme has addressed gaps in ANC-PNC service delivery through capacity building of healthcare workers and integrated approaches to care.

Prof. Charles Ameh - Programme Lead, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

Charles led the implementation of the GF ANC/PNC quality improvement programme in the last 3 years. This involves identifying problems and co-creating solutions with stakeholders in Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria. Key interventions designed and tested during this programme are relevant to several communities: maternity care providers, researchers, MNH programme managers, health professional associations and regulatory bodies, training institutions, women of reproductive age and their families in LMICs.

Dr. Oladipo Aremu, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital , Oyo State, Nigeria

Dr Oladipo Aremu has been involved in research work relating to post-partum haemorrhage, maternal and child health for the last three years. His contribution to the post-partum haemorrhage research has helped to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. During the period of the research, the cost of the drug administered on patients resulted in remarkable cost savings when compared to cost of blood transfusion. Previous research activities involved in also contributed to improvement in respectful maternity care and upgrading the health worker-patient relationship.

Useful links:

• Empowering Health Workers: Nigeria's Positive Shift in Maternal & Newborn Care fuels Policy Change
• This is a film from the WOMAN Trials at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, as part of the Healthier Together series presented by the WHO...