Postnatal care services availability and utilization during the COVID-19 era in sub-Saharan Africa: A rapid review. Issue 3 (May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dzinamarira, Tafadzwa; Moyo, Enos; Pierre, Gashema; Mpabuka, Etienne; Kahere, Morris; Tungwarara, Nigel; Chitungo, Itai; Murewanhema, Grant; Musuka, Godfrey
• Is Part Of: Women and birth. Volume 36:Issue 3(2023)
• Page Start: e295
• Page End: e299
• Publication Date: 2023-05
• Subjects: Midwives -- Periodicals; Pregnancy -- Periodicals; Midwifery -- Periodicals; Pregnancy -- Periodicals; 618.2
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2022.10.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1871-5192

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Considerable progress has been made globally in improving maternal and newborn babies' health. The COVID-19 pandemic has posed considerable challenges for countries to maintain the provision of high-quality, essential maternal and newborn healthcare services. Methods: A rapid review was carried out on 20 March 2022 on postnatal care (PNC) services availability and utilization during the COVID-19 era in sub-Saharan Africa. PubMed, Google Scholar, and Africa Journals Online (AJOL) databases were searched for relevant studies. Studies included in the review utilized both primary data and secondary data. Findings: Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The review revealed that there were significant declines in the availability and utilization of PNC services during and after the COVID-19 lockdown. Several reasons were found to contribute to the decline. Discussion: New, innovative strategies are therefore required to ensure that mothers and their newborn babies receive essential PNC to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Some of the strategies that can be used include home-based PNC visits, the use of telemedicine, phone-based referral networks, social media, and community radios.