221.627.01 ISSUES IN THE REDUCTION OF MATERNAL AND NEONATAL MORTALITY IN LOW INCOME COUNTRIES

Reviews fundamental components of strategies for the reduction of maternal mortality and disease. Topics include reviews of clinical basis of maternal complications, maternal mortality measurement, community-level interventions, behavior change interventions, use of traditional birth attendants and program planning, monitoring and evaluation. Emphasis is on the current strategies believed to be effective, and review of previous strategies.

To provide fundamental understanding of causes and consequences of maternal and neonatal health problems, the underlying reasons for them, and realistic approaches to plan, manage and monitor health programs to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. In terms of knowledge, students will be able to: 1) list causes of maternal and neonatal deaths (from a biological/clinical, social and health systems perspective); 2) list the key elements of antenatal care, essential obstetric care, essential newborn care, and postpartum care; 3) list and assess different types of interventions and approaches aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality within specific contexts; 4) address issues of monitoring and evaluation of interventions aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality; and 5) be able to discuss mechanisms to influence policy.