In this episode of Connecting Citizens to Science, we conclude our three-part miniseries on improving maternal and newborn healthcare. Host Dr. Kim Ozano and her guests explore how to sustain quality improvements in health systems and progress toward maternal and newborn Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Dr. Rael Mutai, Regional Technical Advisor for Maternal and Newborn Health at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine Kenya, and Dr. Nicholas Furtado, Senior Medical Advisor at Global Fund, share their insights on the successes and challenges of embedding sustainable practices in maternal and newborn healthcare systems across Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria. (see 'useful links' for the other episodes from the series).

Chapter List:

00:00:00 – Introduction to Sustainability and SDG Goals

00:01:52 – Progress Towards Maternal and Newborn Health indicators

00:04:50 – Global Landscape: The Impact of the Pandemic

00:06:37 – Addressing Inequities within Countries

00:09:26 – Healthcare Workers and Sustainable Outcomes

00:12:22 – Intersectionality and Broader Determinants of Maternal Health

00:17:38 – Advice and Call to Action for Sustainable Solutions

In this episode:

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

Rael is a public health specialist with over 21 years’ of 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 quality improvement programme in the last 3 years, as the Regional Technical Adviser for Kenya and Tanzania. The Programme uses global evidence customised 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.

Dr. Nicolas Furtado - Senior Medical Advisor, Global Fund

Nicolas is a Senior Medical Advisor with the Health System Strengthening Technical Advice and Partnerships team at the Global Fund. He is deeply engaged in efforts to strengthen primary healthcare systems globally, particularly focusing on improving maternal and newborn health outcomes and now focusing on improving access to medical oxygen and respiratory care. Throughout his work, Nicolas has been instrumental in addressing key challenges such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare inequities, and the need for sustainable, locally adapted solutions. He advocates for simple, effective, and culturally appropriate interventions to ensure quality care at the point of service delivery.

Useful links:

• Strengthening the Health Workforce for Maternal and Newborn Care - Connecting Citizens to Science - In the second episode of our three-part miniseries, " Transforming Maternal and Newborn Health", we focus on how capacity strengthening in healthcare can transform maternal and newborn care outcomes. The discussion highlights the critical role of health workers, from nurses to doctors, and the importance of building skills, teamwork, and communication to improve early diagnosis and reduce complications. Experts share insights on training approaches, challenges faced, and the transformative impact of mentorship and continuous professional development in Kenya, Tanzania, and beyond. This episode offers valuable lessons for health systems strengthening and sets the stage for our next conversation on sustainability.
• Quality Innovations in Maternal and Newborn Health - Connecting Citizens to Science - In this first episode of our three-part miniseries, "Transforming Maternal and Newborn Health," we dive into a groundbreaking...