Community-based prevention of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality: a narrative review of the role of maternity waiting homes in Latin America

The findings suggest a critical gap between the theoretical design of MWH programs and their practical implementation. The evolution of MWHs suggests that they address a spectrum of needs beyond their original purposes, such as providing culturally responsive maternal support and psychosocial and early childhood support. MWHs may be effective in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality when incorporated as part of wider maternal health strategies. Countries with persistently high maternal mortality, especially those with significant geographical barriers to care, could benefit from incorporating MWHs. Remarkably, we did not find MWHs in any of the countries with the highest maternal mortality ratios in the region: Haiti, Venezuela, Bolivia, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.