Objective: To evaluate the capacity of health facilities in Southern Province, Zambia, to
perform routine obstetric care and emergency obstetric and neonatal care (EmONC).
Methods: Surveys were completed at 90 health centers and 10 hospitals between
September 1, 2011, and February 28, 2012. An expanded set of signal functions for
routine care and EmONC was used to assess the facilities’ capacity to provide obstetric
and neonatal care.
Results: Interviews were completed with 172 health workers. Comprehensive EmONC
was available in only six of 10 hospitals; the remaining four hospitals did not perform all
basic EmONC signal functions. None of the 90 health centers performed the basic set
of EmONC signal functions. Performance of routine obstetric care functions, health
worker EmONC training, and facility infrastructure and staffing varied.
Conclusion: Assessment of the indicators for routine care revealed that several low-cost
interventions are currently underused in Southern Province. There is substantial room
for improvement in emergency and routine obstetric and neonatal care at the surveyed
facilities. Efforts should focus on improving infrastructure and supplies, EmONC
training, and adherence to the UN guidelines for routine and emergency obstetric care.