Process Evaluation Of Maternal, Child Health And Nutrition Improvement project (MCHNP) In The Eastern Region, Ghana

ABSTRACT

Background In the past decade though Ghana achieved some improvements in Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) implementation, challenges of inequalities, geographical disparities and sustaining the progress still remain, (MOH 2011). The 2017 Eastern Regional Health Directorate’s annual report mentioned decreasing trends in Reproductive and Child Health indicators leading to poor maternal and child health outcomes in the Region, (GHS 2017). Maternal and Child Health Nutrition Improvement Project (MCHNP) is a World Bank funded programme aimed at improving access and utilization of community-based maternal, child health and nutrition outcomes.

Objectives

This study aimed at determining the implementation status of Maternal Child Health and Nutrition Improvement Project in the Eastern Region by evaluating processes involved in the MCHNP project.

Methods

The study was cross-sectional with quantitative approach. Ten (10) CHPS facilities in five (5) districts were involved. MCHNP Coordinators and Community Health Officers were interviewed using structured questionnaire. MCHNP implementation reports at the facility level were reviewed with a checklist. Tertile statistics was used to describe the status of MCHNP implementation in the Eastern Region.

Conclusion

The evidence gathered by this study indicates that Maternal, Child health and Nutrition activities by CHPS facilities are implemented in accordance with the MCHNP implementation guidelines and shows very good implementation status for MCHNP service delivery. However, the status of governance is generally rated as partially completed due to inadequate alignment with MCHNP governance processes by majority of the facilities. The main implementation challenges relates to funding restrictions and delays in disbursements.