Evaluation of Maternal and Child Health Care Services in Health Care Centers with High Maternal and Infant Mortality Rate in Wassit Governorate, Iraq

Background: Maternal and infant mortality is considered an important indicator of socioeconomic and for society’s level of development, as well as, an important indicator for assessing the level of health services provided system. This study aims at evaluation of maternal and child health program in health care centers with high maternal and infant mortality rate in Wassit governorate and to determine the availability, acceptability and utilization of maternal and child health care.

Material and Method: A cross-sectional study, were conducted at three health sectors in Wassit governorate that recorded the highest maternal and infant mortality rate for the last three years (2016, 2017 and 2018). Data were collected through the period starting (December 2018-March 2019).

Results: The evaluation of MCH revealed that the level of the overall practice of antenatal care services in PHCs was fair 78.6%. Poor postpartum care was provided in 92.9% of health care centers. Poor health care services for children were provided in 67.9% of health care centers. Fair level, for immunization activities in 67.9% of health care centers and poor level concerning the practice of health education services in 85.7% of health care centers.

Conclusion: There is a shortage in the health care services provided for maternal and child at the MCH unit in the health care centers with high maternal and infant mortality rate, involved in the study