Background information for question 9

As presented elsewhere in this consultation, no single intervention can reduce unwanted pregnancies or reduce maternal mortality. Reproductive, maternal and newborn health interventions need to be embedded in functioning health systems for the improvement of health and reduction of mortality. This includes integrating interventions to tackle HIV and AIDS, malaria and other major diseases. For example, using field or community workers to deliver bednets combined with other tasks such as assessing a newborn or child for illness and even offering treatment close to home, could be a way of delivering improved reproductive, maternal and newborn health outcomes. The availability of non-health services such as clean water, sanitation, electricity and roads all impact on the ability of the health system to respond and need to be considered.

Back to question 9