The Role of Leadership in Sub-Saharan Africa in Promoting Maternal and Child Health

Abstract

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) continues to face adverse maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes compared to other regions of the world. Previous research showed that SSA countries did not reach Millennium Development Goals (MDG)-4 and MDG-5. To further our understanding of levels and correlates of MCH outcomes, numerous studies have focused on socioeconomic factors, both at individual, household, and community levels. This chapter adopted a different approach and emphasized the role of leadership at regional, national, and local levels to improve MCH outcomes in SSA countries. Overall, the chapter demonstrated that without an enlightened leadership, SSA countries will be lagging behind SDG-3 targets. Additionally, evidence to guide policymaking in most countries is lacking mainly due to lack of sound data to specifically meet the needs of policymakers. There is an urgent need to focus on Research and Development (R&D) and Innovation. To achieve this goal, a crucial shift in leadership is compulsory.