Rose Mmusi-Phetoe
University of South Africa, South Africa
Title: A model for integrating social interventions into primary health care for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality in South Africa
Biography
Biography: Rose Mmusi-Phetoe
Abstract
The maternal mortality ratio and neonatal mortality rate have been persistently high in South Africa. The Maternal and Neonatal Mortality are indicative of the health of the population and reflect deeper issues such as inequitable distribution of the country’s resources, social exclusion, deprivation, and lack of access to quality public services. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the process of developing a model that meet the overall health needs of the socially excluded, the deprived and the vulnerable women by listing those factors that influence maternal and child health outcomes. From the point of view that individual reproduction and health decision-making take place in a milieu comprising multiple socio-economic and cultural factors, this research further
intended adding to the body of knowledge on maternal and child health in order to influence policies and interventions. Data was collected through a multi-staged, qualitative research design. The results show how structural factors result in high risk for poor maternal and child health outcomes, suggesting that the high rates of poor health outcomes are evidence of deprivation of women’s needs due to poverty leading to an inability to cope with pregnancy and childbirth. The results were used to develop a model that proposes pathways for policy action to confront both the structural and intermediary determinants of maternal and child ill health and mortality. The pathways operate through integrative and inter-sectoral mechanisms intended at empowering women and
enhancing female reproductive health care activities.