Prioritization of maternal and newborn health policies and their implementation in the eastern conflict affected areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo: a political economy analysis.

Background: Maternal and neonatal mortality remains a major concern in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the country's protracted crisis context exacerbates the problem. This political economy analysis examines the maternal and newborn health (MNH) prioritization in the DRC, focussing specifically on the conflict-affected regions of North and South Kivu. The aim is to understand the factors that facilitate or hinder the prioritization of MNH policy development and implementation by the Congolese government and other key actors at national level and in the provinces of North and South Kivu.

Same but Different? Comparing Attitudes Regarding Gender, Gender Diversity, and Sexual Diversity Among Early Adolescents in South Africa and Belgium.

Purpose: This study aims to compare low socioeconomic status, urban early adolescents' (EAs) attitudes toward gender, gender diversity and sexual diversity in two contexts with similar progressive legal frameworks for gender equality and nondiscrimination, South Africa and Belgium, to understand the ways in which adolescents modify or conform to prevailing attitudes.

Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design and sampled 1,102 and 569 EAs (between 11 and 15 years old) in Belgium and South Africa respectively. Quantitative data were collected using tablets.

Development and testing of a composite index to monitor the continuum of maternal health service delivery at provincial and district level in South Africa.

Introduction: The continuum of care is a recommended framework for comprehensive health service delivery for maternal health, and it integrates health system and social determinants of health. There is a current lack of knowledge on a measurement approach to monitor performance on the framework. In this study we aim to develop and test a composite index for assessing the maternal health continuum in a province in South Africa with the possibility of nationwide use.

Review of health and non-health sector indicators for monitoring service provision along the continuum of care for maternal health.

Objective: This study uses health and non-health sector data sources to select and assess available indicators for service provision along the continuum of care for maternal health at subnational levels in South Africa. It applies the adequacy approach established in another study to assess the multi-dimensionality of available indicators. Using adequacy and the process of assessment in the study, the comprehensiveness of the continuum of care for improving maternal health outcomes can be assessed.

Improving the validity, relevance and feasibility of the continuum of care framework for maternal health in South Africa: a thematic analysis of experts' perspectives.

Background: The continuum of care is a key strategy for ensuring comprehensive service delivery for maternal health, while acknowledging the role of the social determinants of health. However, there is little research on the operationalisation of the framework by decision-makers and implementers to address maternal health challenges. The framework should be measurable and feasible for implementation in low- and middle-income country contexts.

Measurement approaches in continuum of care for maternal health: a critical interpretive synthesis of evidence from LMICs and its implications for the South African context.

Background: Global strategies recommend a continuum of care for maternal health to improve outcomes and access to care in low and middle income countries (LMICs). South Africa has already set priority interventions along the continuum of care for maternal health, and mandated their implementation at the district health level. However, the approach for monitoring access to this continuum of care has not yet been defined.

Use of herbal medicine during pregnancy among women with access to public healthcare in Nairobi, Kenya: a cross-sectional survey.

Background: Maternal health is a public health priority in many African countries, but little is known about herbal medicine use in pregnancy. This study aimed to determine the pattern of use of herbal medicine in an urban setting, where women have relatively high access to public healthcare.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 333 women attending a childcare clinic in a district public health hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, during January and February, 2012, and who had delivered a baby within the past 9 months.