Date of Graduation
Spring 8-17-2016
Document Access
Project/Capstone - Global access
Degree Name
Master of Public Health (MPH)
College/School
School of Nursing and Health Professions
First Advisor
Marcianna Nosek
Abstract
Maternal and infant death rates in Malawi are among the highest in the world. Over 17 million people live in this small country in sub-Saharan Africa, where the country’s life expectancy is just 60.6 years (World Bank, 2015). These deaths can be attributed to many complex factors, including cultural practices, lack of adequate medical equipment, long travel distances to health facilities, low staffing at hospitals and clinics, extreme poverty, and malnutrition. Without government support and intervention, community groups must fill in the gaps to make needed improvements to maternal and infant health outcomes. African Mothers Health Initiative (AMHI) enrolls high risk mothers and infants in the capital Lilongwe District to provide home-based clinical care in the remote villages of Malawi. During a needs assessment conducted in the summer of 2016, it was determined AMHI currently lacks robust and ample data to ensure the sustainability of this necessary program through grant funding and evaluation. With more efficient collection and comprehensive data, AMHI can better serve program participants and villages, and identify areas to more efficiently and effectively reduce maternal and infant mortality and morbidity in Malawi. The lives of women and their infant children depend on it.
Recommended Citation
Jones, Alexandra E. H., "Improving Data Collection to Reduce Maternal and Infant Mortality and Morbidity in Malawi: Evaluating Chimwemwe mu'bereki, a Community Based Intervention" (2016). Master's Projects and Capstones. 360.
https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/360
PowerPoint presentation, Public Health Professionals Day, August 17, 2016
