Perceived Impact of COVID-19 and Strategies for effective Implementation of Maternal and Child Health Care Services in Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an abrupt reduction in the use of in-person health care. Children and women of reproductive age groups might be disproportionately affected by the disruption of routine health services, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). The aim of this study was to see the potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal and child health (MCH) care service utilization and strategies for effective service implementation. A phenomenological qualitative inquiry was used. For the collection of the data, an in-depth interview was employed among women and informants from all levels of the health system including the health development army in July and September 2020. The data were analyzed thematically using framework analysis. The study identified a range of COVID-19 impacts on maternal and child health service utilization in Ethiopia. Namely, reduction in accessibility and quality of routine health services, low maternal and child health service utilization, challenges in the commitment of health workers, shortage in the supply of routine resources for maternal and child health services; and enduring strategies designed for effective maternal and child health service implementation. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal and child health service utilization was identified in a clear thematic area. The findings of this study provide evidence on bases at the local level; will help the policymakers and local administrators to develop strategies for early preparedness in the context of pandemics. Plain Language Summary The Impact of COVID-19 on Maternal and Child Health Services and Strategies for Improvement This study was aimed to see the potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal and child health (MCH) care service utilization and strategies for effective service implementation. A phenomenological qualitative inquiry was used. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruption of health services on the global scale, including MCH care services. Various modalities used to combat the infection have aggravated the reduction of accessibility and quality of routine MCH care services and low MCH care service utilization. Low commitment of health care workers, lack of resources and movement restrictions has had a negative impact on the utilization of MCH care services. This COVID-19 pandemic has taught us is that health preparedness is necessary for dealing with any unprecedented situation in the future. Vulnerable people like pregnant women and newborns should be given a Special attention while planning for pandemic events. In order to control COVID-19 infection among pregnant women and lactating mothers effective preventive strategies via accessing the basic information to protect the health of themselves and their babies are mandatory. There is potential for bias as service user women were self-selected.