UNFPA Supported Maternity Waiting Homes in Ethiopia: Good Practices and Lessons Learned

Maternity waiting homes contribute in increasing utilization of maternal health services particularly among women living in rural areas where distance, topography, and road access are barriers to timely access health centres. The current healthcare system of Ethiopia supports rapid expansion of maternity waiting homes and sustainable provision of services provided that mechanisms are in place for targeted advocacy and extensive community involvement. Lessons related to specific practices are identified and described in this document.