Maternal and newborn health implementation research: programme outcomes, pathways of change and partnerships for equitable health systems in Uganda

Abstract

Nestled in eastern and southern Africa, with a population of just over 39 million, Uganda reported a maternal mortality ratio of 360 per 100,000 live births, a neonatal mortality rate of 19 per 1000 live births and an infant mortality of 38 per 1000 live births in 2016 [1,2]. While health outcomes have been improving, much more progress could be realized, particularly given that the majority of maternal and child health deaths are avoidable. Contact with the health system occurs, but not when it is most needed. In Uganda, although 95% of mothers received antenatal care from a skilled provider for their most recent live birth, only 59% of live births in the past 5 years were delivered by a doctor or nurse/midwife, and 57% were delivered in a health facility in 2011 [3].