Assessing Spatial Distribution of Maternal Health Related Resources in Health Facilities in Malawi: Case of Skilled Birth Attendants in Zomba District

Abstract

Primary care with proper resources is recognized as the most important form of healthcare and if properly distributed it is most effective in preventing avoidable maternal deaths on a large scale. Since a place where pregnant women go for delivery is very important, the distribution of maternal health related resources in health facilities is one of guides to achieving the goal of "health for all" and hence reducing maternal mortality. This study therefore, focuses on the assessment of distribution of maternal health related resources in health facilities at district level in Malawi using GIS. Eight health facilities in Zomba were involved. The qualitative research method was used to analyze findings of the research. Interviews and questionnaires were used for data collection. The study has revealed that there are disparities in the distribution of maternal health related resources in various health facilities. © Institute for Computer Sciences, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering 2014.