Strengthening Maternal and Child Health Systems through Digital Tools and Task Sharing: Evidence from Rural Kenya

Abstract

The study evaluated the impact of digital health tools, task sharing, capac ity building, and maternal health financing on Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) systems in Kisii, Kajiado, and Migori counties in Kenya, un der the Tekeleza project1 . It aimed to assess how these interventions influenced MNCH service uptake, outcomes, and referral systems, using a mixed-meth ods approach with data from healthcare providers, community health promot ers, and mothers. Findings showed that digital tools like the LUCY App im proved coordination and maternal care but highlighted the need for better app features and wider access. Task sharing in areas like sonography enhanced ser vice delivery but required stronger stakeholder engagement. Capacity-building through training was crucial for skill development, though additional training on emerging health issues was needed. Financial interventions, such as the Linda Mama program, boosted service uptake, but reimbursement processes needed improvement. Strengthening referral systems between lower- and higher level facilities was identified as essential for timely access to care. The study concludesthat integrating digital tools, expanding task sharing, enhancing train ing, and reinforcing health financing and referral systems are critical for strength ening MNCH services in rural Kenya, with broader implications for similar low-resource setting