The continuum of care for maternal, newborn and child health

Mothers, newborns, and children are inseparably linked in life and in health care needs. In the past,
maternal and child health policy and programmes tended to address the mother and child separately,
resulting in gaps in care which especially affect newborn babies. How can these gaps be addressed,
especially during birth and the first days of life, when most mothers and newborns die, and at home,
where most newborn deaths in Africa occur?
Policy and programme attention is shifting towards a maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH)
continuum of care. Instead of competing calls for mother or child, the focus is on universal coverage of
effective interventions, integrating care throughout the lifecycle and building a comprehensive and
responsive health system. The MNCH continuum of care can be achieved through a combination of well
defined polices and strategies to improve home care practices and health care services throughout the
lifecycle, building on existing programmes and packages. What is the current coverage of MNCH
essential packages along the continuum of care, and how can these be strengthened to increase
coverage, equity, and quality of care? Which interventions within the continuum of care would save
newborn lives? Are there specific opportunities that could be seized?