Acceptability and Sustainability of the WHO Focused Antenatal Care package in Kenya

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to assess the Kenyan Ministry of Health’s capacity to adapt focused antenatal care (ANC) at the service delivery level so that it can be sustained, and to examine the extent to which adaptation of the package has increased coverage and quality of key ANC services and the overall quality of care received by pregnant women. The study showed that focused ANC is acceptable to both clients and providers and the approach has also received tremendous support from both the government and health development partners. However, the sustainability of the focused ANC package is contingent upon availability of funding, availability of a minimum level of equipment and supplies, competent providers, and a clear policy direction. The study recommends further consultation with key actors (such as pre-service training institutions and professional bodies) to ensure institutionalization and standardization of focused ANC; community mobilization to create awareness about the new services being offered; reorganizing service delivery and client flow within clinics to reduce client waiting time; and training providers in the concept of focused ANC.