Utilization of maternity waiting homes: Before, during, and after the Ebola virus disease outbreak in Bong County, Liberia

Abstract

Background: Maternity waiting homes (MWHs) are used to increase the number of women delivering at health care facilities. The first MWHs in Liberia were opened in 2012, prior to the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak. Methods: Longitudinal data were collected from registries on MWH use, antenatal care, postnatal care and facility deliveries from 2012 to 2016 to assess MWH utilization. Results: All indicators examined declined during the EVD outbreak, but within 6 months of the cessation of the outbreak they returned to pre-EVD levels. Conclusions: Findings suggest MWH utilization remained stable after international funding ceased and EV affected the region.