Five functions to improve quality of care for maternal newborn and child health

Overview

It is estimated that between 5.7 and 8.4 million deaths are attributed to poor quality care each year in low- and middle-income countries, which accounts for up to 15% of overall deaths in these countries. The occurrence of adverse events, resulting from unsafe care, is considered to be one of the 10 leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Improving access to health services must go hand in hand with improving the quality and safety of these services. Poor quality and experience of care may also lead to loss of confidence in the formal health sector and adversely impact future health-seeking behaviour.