Contribution of women’s development army to maternal and child health in Ethiopia: a systematic review of evidence

ObjectiveThe aim of this review was to identify, appraise and synthesise studies that reported on the contribution of women’s development army (WDA) to maternal and child health development.SettingStudies conducted in Ethiopia 2010 onwards and published in English were considered.Data sourcesEvidence were searched in MEDLINE, CINAHL and EBSCOhost from 25 March to 10 April 2018.Eligibility criteriaBoth quantitative and qualitative studies assessing the contribution of WDA to maternal and child health were considered.Data extraction and synthesisTwo independent reviewers have extracted data using pre-planned data extraction tool separately for each study design. Findings were synthesised using tables and narrative summary.OutcomeMaternal and child health services; maternal and child mortality.ResultsNine studies met the inclusion criteria and were used for synthesis. The results revealed that participation and membership in women’s development teams (WDTs) have a positive effect on minimising maternal death and improving child immunisation service use. Skilled delivery and antenatal care service use were higher in WDTs located within a radius of 2 km from health facilities. Women’s development teams were also the main sources of information for mothers to prepare themselves for birth and related complications. Moreover, well-established groups have strengthened the linkage of the health facility to the community so that delays in maternal health service use were minimised; health extension workers could effectively refer women to a health facility for birth and utilisation of skilled birth service was improved.ConclusionVoluntary health service intervention in Ethiopia has improved maternal and child health services’ outcome. A decrease in maternal deaths, increase in antenatal and delivery service use and improved child immunisation service uptake are attributable to this intervention. The linkage between community members and the primary healthcare system served as an effective and efficient mechanism to share information.