International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics : the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics
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Int J Gynaecol Obstet · Oct 2014
The FIGO Leadership in Obstetrics and Gynecology for Impact and Change (LOGIC) Initiative in Maternal and Newborn Health.
The FIGO Leadership in Obstetrics and Gynecology for Impact and Change (LOGIC) Initiative in Maternal and Newborn Health developed the organizational capacity of national professional organizations of obstetrics and gynecology in eight African and Asian countries. The initiative was funded by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and had three key objectives. These goals were to support the eight FIGO member associations to strengthen their capacity to work effectively; to influence national policies on maternal and newborn health; and to work toward improving clinical practice in this area. The current supplement presents evidence that the focus and effectiveness of a national obstetric and gynecologic association-as well as its influence on major public health issues (such as United Nations Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5)-can be substantially broadened and enhanced by the provision of external support.
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Int J Gynaecol Obstet · Oct 2014
Using evidence to drive action: a "revolution in accountability" to implement quality care for better maternal and newborn health in Africa.
Introducing evidence-based accountability mechanisms at national and subnational levels into maternal newborn health programs can accelerate reductions in maternal and newborn mortality. Clearly packaged evidence has the potential to catalyze change, if it is communicated not only to the public but also to key policymakers. ⋯ It uses evidence to drive action and accountability to improve maternal and newborn survival in six African countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania. This paper introduces the E4A program, the rationale that underpins the program design, and presents initial findings on how information and data currently feed into accountability and implementation across the six E4A countries.
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Int J Gynaecol Obstet · Oct 2014
Establishing a baseline to measure change in political will and the use of data for decision-making in maternal and newborn health in six African countries.
The Evidence for Action (E4A) program assumes that both resource allocation and quality of care can improve via a strategy that combines evidence and advocacy to stimulate accountability. The present paper explains the methods used to collect baseline monitoring data using two tools developed to inform program design in six focus countries. The first tool is designed to understand the extent to which decision-makers have access to the data they need, when they need it, and in meaningful formats, and then to use the data to prioritize, plan, and allocate resources. ⋯ Findings indicate significant potential to improve access to and use of data for decision-making, particularly at subnational levels. Respondents across all six program countries reported lack of access by ordinary citizens to information on the health and MNH budget, and data on MNH outcomes. In all six countries there was a perceived inequity in the distribution of resources and a perception that politicians do not fully understand the priorities of their constituents.
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Int J Gynaecol Obstet · Oct 2014
Using scorecards to achieve facility improvements for maternal and newborn health.
The Government of Sierra Leone launched the Free Health Care Initiative in 2010, which contributed to increased use of facility based maternity services. However, emergency obstetric and neonatal care (EmONC) facilities were few and were inadequately equipped to meet the increased demand. ⋯ With the use of assessment tools and scorecards it is possible to make improvements to the services provided in the period after assessment. The exercise shows that evidence that is shared with providers in visually engaging formats can help decision-making for facility based improvements.
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Int J Gynaecol Obstet · Oct 2014
The Nigeria Independent Accountability Mechanism for maternal, newborn, and child health.
Since the 2010 launch of the UN Secretary-General's Global Strategy for Women's and Children's Health, worldwide political energy coalesced around improving the health of women and children. Nigeria acted on a key recommendation emerging from the Global Strategy and became one of the first countries to establish an independent group known as the Nigeria Independent Accountability Mechanism (NIAM). NIAM aims to track efforts on progress related to Nigeria's roadmap for the health of women and children. ⋯ The concept of NIAM received approval at various national and international forums, as well as from the Nigeria Federal Ministry of Health. This experience provides an example of connecting expertise and groups with the government to influence and accelerate progress in maternal, newborn, and child health. Engagement between government and civil society should become the norm rather than the exception to achieve national goals.