Strengthening public health priority-setting through research on fistula, maternal health, and health inequities

ObjectiveFindings from 4 studies conducted by the Women’s Dignity Project and partners on the subjects of obstetric fistula, maternal mortality and morbidity, and health inequities are presented.MethodsThe studies include qualitative and quantitative research, a survey, and an analysis of secondary data that examine women’s experiences of fistula; constraints in service delivery for fistula treatment; factors shaping women’s access to delivery care and constraints health workers face in providing care; and health inequities.ResultsFindings from the studies are being used to improve fistula prevention and management, strengthen access to and provision of quality maternity care, and redress the health inequities that so adversely affect the poor.ConclusionThe studies provide policy makers, program managers, and service providers with evidence and the impetus to re-equilibrate policies, financial and human resources, and services in the interest of those in greatest need: women living in poverty.