Policy and Resources

Advocacy, policy development, and health systems reform are essential to effective programming for measurable public health impact. Political commitment, often enhanced by strong community advocacy, is also essential and can be measured through marshalling of human and financial resources to address service delivery and health education needs. Innovative efforts to leverage funds are necessary to make the best use of scarce funding in a highly competitive environment. Data-based advocacy is critical to highlight areas of need, particularly among the poor. Cost-effectiveness analysis of various interventions is important in highlighting relative merits of strategic choices.

Key policy and resource barriers to implementation of effective programs need to be identified and addressed for each specific context. Typically, these barriers include: inadequacies in the referral system (especially communication and transport), unrealistic and/or informal fees, lack of mandate for frontline providers to actually perform lifesaving skills, inadequate incentives for midwives and doctors to serve in rural areas, and lack of key supplies and drugs. One of the greatest needs in the next decade will be creating and sustaining financing approaches that provide basic services for the most vulnerable so they can access lifesaving care.

Learn more about the Maternal Health Strategy.