Geographic Information System for Improving Maternal and Newborn Health: Recommendations for Policy and Programs

Citation

Molla, Yordanos B.; Rawlins, Barbara; Makanga, Prestige Tatenda; Cunningham, Marc; Avila, Juan Eugenio Hernandez; Ruktanonchai, Corrine Warren; Singh, Kavita; Alford, Sylvia; Thompson, Mira; & Dwivedi, Vikas, et al. (2017). Geographic Information System for Improving Maternal and Newborn Health: Recommendations for Policy and Programs. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 17(1), 26. PMCID: PMC5225565

Abstract

This correspondence argues and offers recommendations for how Geographic Information System (GIS) applied to maternal and newborn health data could potentially be used as part of the broader efforts for ending preventable maternal and newborn mortality. These recommendations were generated from a technical consultation on reporting and mapping maternal deaths that was held in Washington, DC from January 12 to 13, 2015 and hosted by the United States Agency for International Development's (USAID) global Maternal and Child Survival Program (MCSP). Approximately 72 participants from over 25 global health organizations, government agencies, donors, universities, and other groups participated in the meeting. The meeting placed emphases on how improved use of mapping could contribute to the post-2015 United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), agenda in general and to contribute to better maternal and neonatal health outcomes in particular. Researchers and policy makers have been calling for more equitable improvement in Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH), specifically addressing hard-to-reach populations at sub-national levels. Data visualization using mapping and geospatial analyses play a significant role in addressing the emerging need for improved spatial investigation at subnational scale. This correspondence identifies key challenges and recommendations so GIS may be better applied to maternal health programs in resource poor settings. The challenges and recommendations are broadly grouped into three categories: ancillary geospatial and MNH data sources, technical and human resources needs and community participation.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12884-016-1199-y

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2017

Journal Title

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Author(s)

Molla, Yordanos B.
Rawlins, Barbara
Makanga, Prestige Tatenda
Cunningham, Marc
Avila, Juan Eugenio Hernandez
Ruktanonchai, Corrine Warren
Singh, Kavita
Alford, Sylvia
Thompson, Mira
Dwivedi, Vikas
Moran, Allisyn C.
Matthews, Zoë

PMCID

PMC5225565

ORCiD

Singh, K - 0000-0001-8670-2262