[Evaluation of Maternal and Neonatal Health Services sein Guinea-Conakry and Togo.]

INTRODUCTION: The quality of mother and child healthcare remains a challenge for low and middle income countries. Quality interventions that allow a reduction of maternal and infantile mortality require the services of qualified personnel. The objective of this study is to present the results of analysis of the status of human healthcare resources and the quality of healthcare (technical, interpersonal, organisational) they provide to mothers and neonates in Guinea and Togo.

METHODS: Data were derived from Guinea and Togo case studies with embedded levels of analysis. Participants were: maternal and neonatal health care resources (MNCHR), health care beneficiaries, community members. Data collection methods comprised: observations of MNHCR clinical practice; interviews (beneficiaries, health care establishment and educational institution personnel); and focus groups (men, women, community leaders, students). Analysis consisted of qualitative analysis of the content of interviews and focus groups and quantitative analysis of quality scores.

RESULTS: The observations revealed a low level of health care quality for all criteria. Non-technical quality varied according to: the health establishment and level of experience, the MNHCR qualifications, specialisation and basic training. Geographic and financial accessibility, maternal and neonatal health care personnel capacities, continuity and extent of their services are unsatisfactory.

CONCLUSION: Recommendations target the establishment of public policies to reinforce MNHCR capacities, standard to define their practice, and organisation and work environment. Conclusions could be used as benchmarks for other countries from Sub-Saharan Africa.