Journal of Community Medicine & Health Education
Open Access

Abstract

Introduction & Aim: Geographical inaccessibility, lack of transport and financial burden remain the main constrains to maternal and child health services in Uganda. Despite the progress made in the past decade in reducing maternal mortality ratio from 506 deaths per 100,000 to 336 deaths per 100,000 live births, it is clear, there is still need for consorted effort to address both demand and supply factors in the system for better results. Most interventions have in the past targeted supply side of the health care system leaving an imbalance. In the past two years, World vision under BMNCH Project has been supporting pregnant women in Butaleja district with transport vouchers to promote institutional deliveries. The paper is aimed sharing lessons learned throughout the process a as a demonstration of supporting the demand side of the health system. Methods: Operation research during project implementation. Both quantitative and qualitative Data was collected during activity implementation cleaned and analyzed for results. Results: The number of pregnant women delivering from health facilities has increased from approximately 410 per month to 750 per month. Subsequently there has been general improvement in service uptake of antenatal and postnatal care. Motorists continue to transport women to the health facilities without money but in anticipation of a voucher that will be paid off later. The system has also enhanced relations and cooperation between the community members and the health service providers. Conclusion: Transport voucher system seems to be an effective strategy of increasing institutional deliveries and subsequently uptake of other maternal and child health services.

Biography

Richard Muhumuza is a Public Health Specialist with over eight years of practical and professional experience in maternal and child health, nutrition, adolescent health, project management and scientific evaluations. Currently coordinating a maternal newborn and child health project in Uganda, his interests are in working with communities for improved and equitable health service to most vulnerable groups in the population especially women and children.