ACCESS Program - Program Approach - Overview - Household-to-Hospital Continuum of Care Model

The continuum of care. Most basic maternal and newborn health services as well as obstetric and postpartum care services can be delivered in community health facilities or in the home. The ACCESS Program focuses on building the capacity of community-based providers and facilities and households to manage normal care, before, during and after childbirth, prevent problems and seek prompt additional care when required. At the same time, the program works at every level of the health care system to improve the quality and availability of care—including emergency care, so that it is available for mothers and newborns when they need it.

The enabling environment. The social network that supports women, newborns and the health system can also contribute to improved home care. Drawing on this network is essential to improving household and community care and ensuring that peripheral health facilities are responsive to the needs of the community. The network ensures that the community has the capacity to deliver basic emergency obstetrical and neonatal care and has appropriate mechanisms in place for emergency referrals. In addition, ACCESS works within existing political, economic and socio-cultural structures—and collaborates with partners and stakeholders to advocate for increased commitment and resources—to achieve sustainable improvements in maternal and newborn health.