Widmer, M.Betran, A. P.Merialdi, M.Requejo, J.Karpf, T.2012-03-302012-03-302011Int J Gynaecol Obstet1879-3479 (Electronic) 0020-7292 (Linking)https://hdl.handle.net/10986/5153BACKGROUND: Global disparities in maternal and newborn health represent one of the starkest health inequities of our times. Faith-based organizations (FBOs) have historically played an important role in providing maternal/newborn health services in African countries. However, the contribution of FBOs in service delivery is insufficiently recognized and mapped. OBJECTIVES: A systematic review of the literature to assess available evidence on the role of FBOs in the area of maternal/newborn health care in Africa. SEARCH STRATEGY: MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for articles published between 1989 and 2009 on maternal/newborn health and FBOs in Africa. RESULTS: Six articles met the criteria for inclusion. These articles provided information on 6 different African countries. Maternal/newborn health services provided by FBOs were similar to those offered by governments, but the quality of care received and the satisfaction were reported to be better. CONCLUSION: Efforts to document and analyze the contribution of FBOs in maternal/newborn health are necessary to increase the recognition of FBOs and to establish stronger partnerships with them in Africa as an untapped route to achieving Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5.ENJournal ArticleWorld Bank