Primary healthcare and child and maternal health in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): A retrospective analysis of 29 national survey data from 13 countries

The objective of this paper is three-fold: (i) to analyse the coverage and equity access selected maternal child healthcare interventions, particularly those delivered in Primary Healthcare (PHC) setting; (ii) main drivers inequitable interventions; (iii) synthesise compare results across Middle East North Africa (MENA) region as well over time. We analysed data for five key interventions from 29 national surveys (DHS MICS) covering 13 MENA countries spanning a period almost 20 years (2000–2018). calculated indicators, concentration indices (CI) decomposition CIs according standard definitions. synthetized by country groups based on their human development index (HDI). Over time among that started lower base, there has been an improvement (four ante-natal care visits skilled birth assistance). When considering place delivery, clear rich-poor divide, with women richer wealth quintiles gravitating toward private facilities poorer public ones. While most care-seeking common illnesses occurs PHC facilities, fraction (20–30 percent) takes secondary facilities. played role improving health wider region. Better integration care, strengthening network could increase use cost-effective which are health.