Standards-Based Management and Recognition for Maternal and Newborn Care: Findings from a Baseline Assessment in Mutare and Chimanimani Districts

The baseline assessment conducted in Mutare and Chimanimani Districts in February 2012 aimed to evaluate the current state of maternal and newborn care services in these areas. The assessment found that the majority of facilities in the study area were not fully meeting the standards for maternal and newborn care. For example, only 9% of facilities fully satisfied the standards for antenatal care client assessment, while 25% of facilities fully met the standards for essential newborn care and resuscitation. The assessment also highlighted the need for improvement in areas such as infection prevention, interpersonal communication, and active management of the third stage of labor. The study identified several challenges that hinder the provision of quality maternal and newborn care services in the study area. These include inadequate human resources, limited access to medical supplies, and poor infrastructure. The assessment also noted that the majority of facilities in the study area were not providing comprehensive postnatal care, which is critical for reducing neonatal mortality. The baseline assessment was conducted using a standards-based management and recognition (SBM-R) approach, which involves evaluating facilities against a set of established standards for maternal and newborn care. The assessment tools used in this study were developed by the Maternal and Child Health Integrated Program (MCHIP) and the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare (MOHCW). The findings of this assessment have significant implications for the improvement of maternal and newborn care services in Zimbabwe. The study highlights the need for increased investment in human resources, infrastructure, and medical supplies, as well as the need for improved training and support for healthcare providers. The assessment also emphasizes the importance of comprehensive postnatal care in reducing neonatal mortality. The study was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under Cooperative Agreement # GHS-A-00-08-00002-000 through MCHIP. The assessment was conducted by a team of experts from MCHIP/Zimbabwe, including public health physicians, midwives, and other healthcare professionals. The study's findings are expected to inform the development of strategies to improve maternal and newborn care services in Zimbabwe. The assessment identified several areas for improvement, including the need for increased access to antenatal care, improved infection prevention practices, and enhanced postnatal care services. The study also highlighted the importance of comprehensive training and support for healthcare providers, as well as the need for improved infrastructure and medical supplies. The study's findings are expected to inform the development of strategies to improve maternal and newborn care services in Zimbabwe. The assessment highlights the need for increased investment in human resources, infrastructure, and medical supplies, as well as the need for improved training and support for healthcare providers. The study also emphasizes the importance of comprehensive postnatal care in reducing neonatal mortality.