Utilizing Mobile-Based Peer Support Networks to Improve Midwifery Service Delivery

Utilizing Mobile-Based Peer Support Networks to Improve Midwifery Service Delivery

Providing maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) services in rural locations in developing countries can be a significant challenge due to community isolation, poor infrastructure, and rare or inadequate health worker training.

To support the implementation of MNCH service delivery improvement projects, the USAID-funded, MSH-led Leadership, Management, and Governance (LMG) Project integrated a peer support networking component (using WhatsApp, a cellular messaging application) into the LMG for Midwifery Managers course. This component enabled midwifery managers from eight implementing countries (Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Lesotho, Rwanda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) to participate in cross-border conversations about service delivery improvement strategies, monitoring and evaluation data, and provide peer support and encouragement during their six-month workplace interventions.