Note: MCSP ended in December 2019. No new content is added to this site.

Critical principles from USAID’s flagship Maternal and Child Survival Program to help countries on their journey to self-reliance

From 2014 to 2019, USAID’s flagship Maternal and Child Survival Program (MCSP) partnered with 32 countries to improve health outcomes for women and children and build more resilient, accountable, and responsive health systems. Through the generous support of the American people, MCSP built the capacity of country-led institutions to address health challenges. As a result, […]

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Understanding vaccine hesitancy in polio eradication in northern Nigeria

Vaccine hesitancy constitutes a major threat to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), and to further expansion of routine immunisation. Understanding hesitancy, leading in some cases to refusal, is vital to the success of GPEI. This article explains the method, findings and conclusions to a recent study in northern Nigeria that sought to understand factors at household and community level […]

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Research Brief: Findings from formative research with first-time parents in two states of Nigeria

This brief explains MCSP’s implementation of an activity in Kogi and Ebonyi states in Nigeria to address the needs of pregnant and parenting adolescents, with the ultimate objective of increasing use of ANC, safe delivery, and PPFP services to delay a subsequent pregnancy. To inform planning for this intervention, MCSP conducted formative research to understand the SRH needs […]

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Effect of Volunteer Household Counseling in Improving Knowledge of Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness of Pregnant Women in Northwest Nigeria

After implementing a maternal and newborn health project between 2006 and 2010 in Kano and Zamfara States, Nigeria, the project is being evaluated with an objective to characterize the effects of volunteer household counselors (VHCs) upon improving knowledge of birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) among pregnant women. To read the abstract and full article (subscription […]

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The Polio Communication Network Contribution to the Polio Outbreak Response in Ethiopia’s Somali Region, 2013–2015

Published in Global Health Communication, this article explores the Polio Communication Network’s (PCN) contribution to the polio outbreak response in the Somali Region of Ethiopia from 2013 to 2015. The PCN strategies and innovations include the establishment of a communication network of experts, development of partnerships with locally trusted and influential groups, and capacity building of local structures. To […]

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Cross-sectional observational assessment of quality of newborn care immediately after birth in health facilities across six sub-Saharan African countries

Published in BMJ Open, this article presents information on the quality of newborn care services and health facility readiness to provide newborn care in six African countries, and advocates for the improvement of providers’ essential newborn care knowledge and skills. To read the full, open access article in the journal BMJ Open, click here. […]

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Maternal and Child Survival Program