Vol. 2005 No. 1 (2005)
Gender Equity and Community Health Workers’ Impact on Maternal Mortality in Urban Democratic Republic of Congo
Abstract
Maternal mortality rates in urban areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remain high despite efforts to improve healthcare access and quality. A qualitative approach examined interviews, focus groups, and secondary data from government reports on healthcare delivery and demographic trends in urban DRC between and . The findings suggest that gender equity interventions, such as targeted support for community health workers reaching marginalized communities, can be effective strategies to improve healthcare access and outcomes in urban DRC. Policy makers should prioritise funding and training programmes specifically aimed at increasing the reach of community health workers into underserved areas, with a focus on addressing gender disparities and socioeconomic barriers.