Enhanced Access to Maternal and Neonatal Care Services Through Community Health Workers in Urban Nigerian Cities Over Five Months: A Coverage Increase Study

Urban Nigerian cities face significant challenges in accessing maternal and neonatal care services, particularly among vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and newborns. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in three major cities, with CHWs providing education and support to pregnant women and newborns. Data collection included pre- and post-intervention surveys. CHW interventions led to an increase of 25% in the number of women accessing prenatal care from baseline (n=100) to follow-up (n=125), with a confidence interval for coverage rate increase ranging from 18.76% to 31.24%. Community health workers were effective in enhancing access to maternal and neonatal care services, particularly among underserved populations. Continuation of CHW programmes should be supported with additional resources and training to sustain these improvements long-term.