Maternal and Neonatal Health Policies Facing Implementation Challenges in Public Health Facilities in Lomé, Togo

Abstract: The Togolese government has taken measures to improve maternal and neonatal health. Despite subsidies and free access, pregnant women and women in labor do not have easy access to the services and offers of maternal and child health programs. This study sought to determine the efficiency of maternal and neonatal health policies in the city of Lomé, Togo. The qualitative approach involved interviewing women, midwives, and resource persons to get their opinions on the new maternal and child health support programs in Lomé. Based on the theoretical framework of “complex adaptive systems” and “strategic analysis,” the information gathered reveals that the implementation of measures to protect maternal and child health endeavors to ensure the holistic health of beneficiaries. Even though women are able to give birth safely and healthily, there are instances of inappropriate behavior, attitudes, and comments from some midwives that frustrate pregnant women or women in labor, causing them psychosocial distress. Therefore, continuously strengthening capacities and training of these health professionals to the code of conduct can increase the efficiency of health programs.