Prospects and problems of adoption of focused antenatal care (FANC) by pregnant mothers attending antenatal clinics in Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Antenatal care (ANC) remains a key tool for controlling triple problems of maternal morbidity, maternal mortality and infant mortality in any social group. This review paper with focus on Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria addressed three principal objectives. First, it examined the prevailing state of ANC services in the state. Secondly, the paper carefully explored the distinctive features of traditional antenatal care (TANC) model and those of focused antenatal care (FANC) model. Thirdly, it examined the processes of setting up, and the problems and prospects of adoption of focused antenatal care by pregnant mothers attending antenatal clinics in the state. As a review paper, the authors relied solely on secondary sources to outline the principles, component activities and task sequence expected of all public health facilities for the implementation of FANC model in Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria. The paper concluded that there are very bright prospects and tremendous benefits accruable from acceptance, adoption and implementation of FANC model to both health workers and pregnant mothers attending antenatal clinics in the state. Such benefits include that FANC approach, as an evident-based and goal oriented intervention help women to maintain normal pregnancies through targeted assessment and individualized care. It addresses predominant health issues that affect mothers, neonates and new born. Above all, the reduced visits by pregnant women to the health care settings under FANC provide reduction in financial implications. The saved money can be channeled to other use such as for specialized investigation. Also, less visit to the health care personnel enable them to be available for other purposes especially in the context of resource constrains facing the state