2nd Edition of Public Health World Conference (PHWC) 2026

Abstract

Persistent disparities in maternal and newborn health outcomes remain a significant challenge in many low- and middle-income countries, particularly in rural and underserved regions where structural, socioeconomic, and gender-related barriers limit access to quality care. This paper examines a multi-level health intervention framework implemented through a coordinated multi-expert collaboration of M-Pesa Health, Amref Health Africa, and digital health providers including Zuri Health. The framework integrates health system strengthening, community-based interventions, and digital health innovations to improve quality access to maternal, newborn, and primary healthcare services in underserved counties in Kenya.

Drawing on the Uzazi Salama initiative, the intervention adopts a continuum-of-care approach spanning antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal services while addressing both supply- and demand-side determinants of healthcare utilization. Key components include upgrading and equipping health facilities, strengthening emergency obstetric and neonatal care capacity, expanding community health outreach through Community Health Volunteers, and leveraging telemedicine and tele-diagnostic platforms to improve specialist access and continuity of care. Digital tools and mobile communication platforms are further utilized to enhance patient follow-up, health literacy, and data-driven monitoring of service delivery.

The analysis highlights how integrated interventions that combine infrastructure development, workforce strengthening, community engagement, and digital health technologies can mitigate structural barriers such as geographic isolation, financial constraints, and limited specialist availability. By fostering coordinated partnerships and improving the responsiveness of health systems, the framework contributes to strengthening maternal and child health service delivery and advancing gender health equity. The findings underscore the potential of multi-sectoral and digitally enabled health system innovations to improve healthcare access, quality, and outcomes in resource-constrained settings.