WHO & UNICEF Integrating stakeholder & community engagement for MNCH

Overview

Integrating stakeholder and community engagement in quality of care initiatives for maternal, newborn and child health was developed to guide policy makers and programme implementers on how stakeholder and community engagement can be incorporated into quality improvement initiatives for maternal, newborn and child health. It specifically provides operational guidance through concrete steps and actions on how quality improvement teams at national, district and facility level, can ensure collaborative engagement with relevant stakeholders and communities during in all steps quality improvement implementation.  

This module supports comprehensive and meaningful stakeholder and community engagement by covering four sections: rationale for stakeholder and community engagement in quality improvement initiatives; building and strengthening stakeholder and community partnerships in quality improvement initiatives; engaging stakeholders and communities through communication and advocacy on quality improvement initiatives; and monitoring, evaluation and learning on stakeholder and community engagement.  

Within these sections detailed guidance on important steps for stakeholder and community engagement are presented, including conducting stakeholder and community mapping and analysis, establishing a governance structure, conducting collaborative quality assessments, and developing information, communication and advocacy strategies. Such activities ensure engagement is systematic, meaningful and integrated in the coordination mechanisms of the quality improvement programmes as well as in the implementation approach. 

Produced by: WHO, Unicef