Equity of access to essential health package (EHP) in Malawi : a perspective on uptake of maternal health services

Abstract

Equity of access to health care services is a central policy goal for health systems in most countries including Malawi. In 2002, Ministry of Health in Malawi adopted the Essential Health Package (EHP). One of its objectives is to improve equity of access to health services. The EHP refers to a prioritized set of basic health services that focus on major causes of morbidity and mortality, particularly those affecting vulnerable populations such as women, children and the poor. In Malawi, EHP includes maternal health services. This research assessed equity of access to EHP services in Malawi, particularly focusing on uptake of maternal health services i.e. antenatal (ANC), delivery and postnatal care.