Engaging the community in transforming maternal care

With 48% of girls married before the age of 18 and 46% of girls aged 15-19 already having at least one child, sexual and reproductive health education and support for adolescents is paramount. The research goal was to develop and implement community engagement interventions that promote better maternal and infant outcomes. Recommendations include developing a manual for teachers who conduct traditional initiation rites for training adolescents on sexual reproductive health, and regular radio broadcasts of key sexual and reproductive health messages in rural areas. The policy brief outlines successful actions taken to increase sexual and reproductive health by engaging communities, and through information campaigns.Global Affairs Canada (GAC)Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR