Impact brief : engaging men for better maternal and child health in sub-Saharan Africa

French version available in IDRC Digital Library : Synthèse des répercussions : mobiliser les hommes pour une meilleure santé des mères et des enfants en Afrique subsaharienneLow participation of men in Maternal and Child Health (MCH) care negatively impacts the lives and health pf women and children. Because men are often the main providers and decision-makers for the entire family for example, they determine women’s access to resources and health care. The policy brief outlines the challenges in, and strategies towards increased male involvement in the care of their families. When men are engaged as “male champions” to deliver key messages to villages, in turn engaging male gatekeepers of information, this approach impacts behavioural change among men.Global Affairs CanadaCanadian Institutes of Health Researc

Impact brief : using research evidence for national and regional decision-making

French version available in IDRC Digital Library : Synthèse sur les répercussions : utiliser les résultats de la recherche pour la prise de décision à l’échelle nationale et régionaleDeveloping evidence-informed policies was at the heart of the Innovating for Maternal and Child Health in Africa (IMCHA) initiative. IMCHA projects have informed the adoption or revision of more than 20 policies and practices across sub-Saharan Africa. Between 2014 and 2022, IMCHA made important strides toward improving the lives of women and children in 11 countries. This 3-page policy brief reviews outcomes and impacts of the IMCHA initiative. It demonstrates to decision-makers and researchers that they need each other, even if they do not have the same vision.Global Affairs CanadaCanadian Institutes of Health Researc

Project synopsis : Tanzanian research project supported under the IMCHA initiative [part 1]

This two-page poster type brief provides details of six Core grants, their goals and results, as well as four “Synergy” grant components which outline particular activities that enhance the core grant projects. The synergy grants were used to address gender and equity issues in projects. All of the grants are used in support of Innovating for Maternal and Child Health in Africa (IMCHA) to improve the quality of antenatal, postnatal, and neonatal care as well as access to health care services

Impact brief : enhancing community health workers’ motivation and impact for better maternal and child health

French version available in IDRC Digital Library : Synthèse sur les répercussions : renforcer la motivation et l’impact des agents de santé communautaire pour une meilleure santé maternelle et infantileCommunity Health Workers (CHW) have contributed to universal health coverage by ensuring access to care for the hardest to reach. They are vital to building strong health systems moving towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-3 Good Health and Wellbeing). This 2-page policy brief reviews the successes of the Innovating for Maternal and Child Health in Africa initiative (IMCHA) and the impact of CHW’s. There has been a 90% increase in the number of women attending four or more antenatal visits (2017-2018).Global Affairs CanadaCanadian Institutes of Health Researc

Timeline of the IMCHA initiative’s research and policy engagement work with Tanzanian research teams

This graphic portrays a timeline (2014-2020), breaking down steps and activities in training and planning towards improved health care for women and children, through the Innovating for Maternal and Child Health in Africa (IMCHA) project. Policy influence and uptake is an outcome of the initiatives

IMCHA-funded projects in Nigeria : added-value for maternal, newborn and child health policy, practice and research

The paper describes several initiatives from the programme for Innovating for Maternal and Child Health in Africa (IMCHA). Innovations stemmed from project design, strategies for community engagement, and policy makers’ involvement early in the project. Over 500 health workers, researchers, and policymakers across the country were trained on various topics: Universal Home Visits, communication, perinatal depression, adolescent parenting, group psychotherapy, gender-based violence, use of tablets for data collection, implementation research, social media skills, and knowledge translation. Collaborations were developed with policymakers, non-governmental organizations and other researchers working in the field

Impact brief : changing the lives of women and children in sub-Saharan Africa

This impact brief outlines the Innovating for Maternal and Child Health in Africa (IMCHA) approach; it highlights achievements, and shares success stories. The results can be scaled in order to continue to move towards more inclusive and evidence-informed decision-making and healthier communities. The success stories in this four-page brief focus on: improvements in neonatal health in Malawi; addressing the barriers to reproductive health care for women and adolescents in Mozambique; access to health care in Mali; and, maternal and child health in Tanzania.Global Affairs Canada (GAC)Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR

Impact brief : improving women’s reproductive health in Sub-Saharan Africa

The Innovating for Maternal and Child Health in Africa (IMCHA) initiative has supported 28 projects through 19 research teams, as well as two Health Policy and Research Organizations (HPROs) in 11 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Research teams work to educate women, their partners, and key family decision-makers about safe motherhood, the availability and benefits of contraceptive methods, and ways to improve their health. This report provides an outline of the work of IMCHA including briefs on case studies and results.Global Affairs CanadaCanadian Institutes of Health Researc

Impact brief : improving quality of care in health facilities in sub-Saharan Africa

Innovating for Maternal and Child Health in Africa (IMCHA) initiatives have made important strides towards improving the lives of women and children in 11 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. This two-page brief provides an overview of the IMCHA programme, along with information on a successful programme that involves improved services in Tanzania, as well as research aimed at saving premature babies in Malawi through an integrated healthcare initiative.Global Affairs Canada (GAC)Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR

Synthèse sur les répercussions : améliorer la santé reproductive des femmes en Afrique subsaharienne

Affaires mondiales CanadaInstituts de recherche en santé du Canad