Advocacy for free maternal and child health care in Nigeria--Results and outcomes.
The study was designed to determine the outcome of an advocacy program aimed at implementing a policy of free maternal and child health (MCH) services in Nigeria. The team conducted a situational analysis on costing of MCH services, and used the results to conduct public health education and advocacy. Advocacy consisted of public presentation on MCH to high-level policymakers, dissemination of situational analysis report, and media publicity. The implementation of free MCH services at national and sub-national levels was assessed 3 years after. The results showed that the number of States offering comprehensive free MCH services increased from four to nine; the States offering partially free MCH services increased from 11 to 14 (8.1% increase); while those not offering any form of free treatment decreased from 22 to 14 (21.7% decrease). We conclude that advocacy and public health education is effective in increasing the commitment of policymakers to provide resources for implementing evidence-based maternal and child health services in Nigeria.
Okonofua
Friday
F
University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. feokonofua@yahoo.co.uk
Lambo
Eyitayo
E
Okeibunor
John
J
Agholor
Kingsley
K
D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000191:economics*; D002669:Child Welfare; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006291:Health Policy; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000191:economics*; D008428:Maternal Mortality; D008429:Maternal Welfare; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires