Improving Access to Maternal and Reproductive Health Services in Underserved West African Communities: Evidence-Based Strategies for Health Systems Strengthening

Aim: To examine the improvement of access to maternal and reproductive health services in underserved West African Communities with consideration to evidence-based strategies for health systems strengthening. Problem Statement: Minimizing child and maternal mortality is an essential Sustainable Development Goal of the United Nation and a main concern for policy makers in in underserved West African Communities. One of the vital barriers to lowering maternal mortality is the low use of maternal health services made available by the public health system via it supply side lifestyles. Significance of Study: The health and well-being of women and their families in underserved West African communities is paramount. While consideration is given to actions and strategies to advance maternal health, it is highly imperative to address health issues across the life course. Methodology: Previous literatures, journals, books, research write-ups and other related materials on the internet regarding to how access to maternal and reproductive health services can be improved were consulted for the compilation of this review article. Majorly, the google, web of science and the scopus-indexed search engines were used. Discussion: This article identifies various health issues regarding maternal morbidity and mortality that should be addressed starting with adolescents and young girls and spreading through age of childbearing and beyond. Different stakeholders identified who should positively contribute in solving the problems include states, tribes, and local communities; women and families; health systems, hospitals, and birthing facilities; healthcare professionals, health systems, hospitals, and birthing facilities; employers; payors; researchers; and innovators. It was also noticed that the circumstances under which women are born, work, live, grow and age significantly affect their health risks, health status and outcomes. Conclusion: Everyone should contribute via the creation of enabling environments which support the women well-being and health, encouraging healthy pregnancies, avoiding risk factors development, and ensuring access to high-quality healthcare before, during, and after pregnancy. In conclusion, it is imperative to assist pregnant women while embarking onto the motherhood journey in order to harmonise the different maternal health procedures, and linking pregnant women with younger generations.