PI

• Prof. Helen Schneider

Team Members

• Dr Solange Mianda
• Dr Fidele Mikinda

Mphatlalatsane Initiative Evaluation

An evaluation of process and contextual factors in the implementation of the National Department of Health-led Mphatlalatsane quality improvement initiative in three provinces of South Africa

Project period

01 June 2019 – 31 December 2022

Project Summary

The Mphatlalatsane Initiative is a multi-partner collaboration spearheaded by the National Department of Health (NDoH) which aims to improve maternal and newborn health in three provinces – Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and the Eastern Cape. The SoPH is working with the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) in an evaluation of Mphtlalatsane. The SOPH team is specifically identifying the key elements of an enabling sub-district, district, regional and national environment for improved quality and outcomes of maternal and newborn healthcare.

In particular this entails exploring what macro- (regional/national), meso- (sub-district/district), and micro- (facility) level processes and contextual factors explain variations in the uptake and outcomes of the Mphatlalatsane quality improvement interventions, and the implications for scale-up and spread.

In 2020 a scoping review of approaches to service delivery strengthening interventions for maternal and newborn health was undertaken – the protocol for which has been published.

Funders

• ELMA Philanthropies through the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)