An Evidence-based Study to Demonstrate Reproductive Maternal Neonatal Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) Outcomes Study 2019

MCH (maternal and child health) is becoming more widely recognized as an economic priority, both worldwide and within individual countries. Under the “continuum of care” idea, “Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent’s Health” (RMNCAH) is one such method, with a more holistic scope. Individuals, families, and communities’ health in developing nations in South Asia (SA) is increasingly being supported by a variety of actors using a variety of techniques. The goal of the study was to evaluate changes in maternal, newborn, and under-five child health outcomes in Sindhuli District as a result of the implementation of the “RMNCAH project,” as well as the impact of adding community-based interventions to the CB-IMCI component, as well as the health system’s capacity to deliver services and their utilization.

The study showed no maternal deaths, three neonatal mortalities and four under- five deaths in Sindhuli during the study period. Key indicators on RMNCAH were improved after the implementation of RMNCAH project: the percentage of at least four ANC visit as per protocol increased by 8%, institutional delivery by 28%, referral services (sick children 2-59 months) by FCHVs by 10%, number of mothers receiving Td2 vaccine by 10%, mothers completing three PNC visit by 22%, number of mothers using any methods of family planning (FP) by 15% and quality monthly reports submitted by FCHVs increased by 6% in comparison to the baseline indicators (July-Dec, 2017). However, the number of 2-59 months’ children with diarrhea treated with ORS and zinc decreased by 9%, number of newborn with danger signs referred by FCHVs decreased by 90% and mothers practicing breastfeeding within one hour of birth decreased by 23% from the baseline.

Nepal has made significant progress in maternal and child health indicators, although at a slower rate than other South Asian countries, where persistent gaps persist. The RMNCAH project, according to evidence, has had a substantial impact in improving capacity for RMNCAH services, ambulance assistance, and school health programs for adolescents, birthing center support, school-based health programs, and activities related to drinking water and emergency preparedness. Awareness-raising on adolescent health, strengthening of mothers’ group meetings, FCHV mobilization, and promotional activities on ANC, PNC, and institutional delivery in remote and hard-to-reach areas, as well as quality of care at each HF, are some of the key activities that should be implemented as soon as possible, according to the study findings.