Bridging the Gap: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Mobile Health Clinics in Delivering Antenatal and Postnatal Care in Conflict-Displaced Populations of Benue State, Nigeria


Authors : Damilola Egbewole; Chioma Udoamaka Okerulu; Olamide Awoyemi; Ayobami Abiola Balogun; Fadhilu Ajolayo Adejare

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 6 - June


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/nhdehzeb

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25jun1778

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Abstract : In conflict-affected regions such as Benue State, Nigeria, access to maternal healthcare remains critically compromised, particularly among internally displaced persons (IDPs). This study evaluates the effectiveness of mobile health clinics in delivering antenatal and postnatal care services to women in these vulnerable populations. Employing a mixed-methods approach, we conducted surveys with 300 displaced pregnant and postpartum women and in-depth interviews with healthcare providers and community leaders. The findings reveal that mobile health clinics significantly improved access to essential maternal services, including routine check-ups, skilled birth attendance referrals, immunizations, and health education. Additionally, the intervention reduced maternal complications and improved birth outcomes, particularly where traditional health facilities were inaccessible due to insecurity. However, challenges such as inconsistent funding, limited medical supplies, and cultural barriers persisted. This study underscores the potential of mobile health interventions to bridge critical gaps in maternal healthcare delivery in conflict settings and recommends policy integration and long-term investment to ensure sustainability.

Keywords : Mobile Health Clinics, Antenatal Care, Postnatal Care, Internally Displaced Persons, Conflict Settings, Maternal Health, Benue State, Nigeria, Health Access, Humanitarian Interventions.

References :

  1. Adejumo, O., & Musa, K. (2023). Challenges to accessing antenatal and postnatal care in IDP camps in Nigeria. African Health Sciences, 23(1), 48–56. https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v23i1.6
  2. Atnafu, A., Otto, K., & Herbst, C. H. (2017). The role of mHealth intervention on maternal and child health service delivery: Findings from a randomized controlled field trial in rural Ethiopia. mHealth, 3, 39. https://doi.org/10.21037/mhealth.2017.08.04
  3. Fedha, T. (2014). Impact of mobile telephone on maternal health service care: A case of Njoro division. International Journal of Science and Research, 3(5), 2319–7064. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.12562.45765
  4. Hernandez-Green, N., Okoye, T., & Bassey, A. (2024). Mothers’ experiences with mHealth intervention for postnatal care in Nigeria: A qualitative study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 24, 113. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-024-05849-9
  5. Iledare, A. M., Awoyemi, O., Ayodeji, A. S., Adejare, F. A., Alabi, D. O., Okerulu, C. U., & Nsa, L. E. (2025). Local health programs and their impact on pregnancy-related deaths in developing nations: Analysis of successful approaches and implementation barriers. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 10(5). https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25may847
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  8. Okiki, O. A., & Omi, A. A. (2022). Displacement, maternal health, and healthcare access: Challenges for internally displaced women in Benue State. Journal of Global Health Reports, 6, e2022046. https://doi.org/10.29392/001c.32583
  9. Sondaal, S. F., Browne, J. L., Amoakoh-Coleman, M., Borgstein, A., Miltenburg, A. S., Verwijs, M., & Klipstein-Grobusch, K. (2016). Assessing the effect of mHealth interventions in improving maternal and neonatal care in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. PLoS ONE, 11(5), e0154664. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0154664
  10. Tchalabi, A., Idrissa, A., & Ali, M. (2024). Mobile outreach clinics and maternal care delivery in vulnerable populations of the Diffa Region, Niger. International Journal for Equity in Health, 23, 22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-024-02043-2
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In conflict-affected regions such as Benue State, Nigeria, access to maternal healthcare remains critically compromised, particularly among internally displaced persons (IDPs). This study evaluates the effectiveness of mobile health clinics in delivering antenatal and postnatal care services to women in these vulnerable populations. Employing a mixed-methods approach, we conducted surveys with 300 displaced pregnant and postpartum women and in-depth interviews with healthcare providers and community leaders. The findings reveal that mobile health clinics significantly improved access to essential maternal services, including routine check-ups, skilled birth attendance referrals, immunizations, and health education. Additionally, the intervention reduced maternal complications and improved birth outcomes, particularly where traditional health facilities were inaccessible due to insecurity. However, challenges such as inconsistent funding, limited medical supplies, and cultural barriers persisted. This study underscores the potential of mobile health interventions to bridge critical gaps in maternal healthcare delivery in conflict settings and recommends policy integration and long-term investment to ensure sustainability.

Keywords : Mobile Health Clinics, Antenatal Care, Postnatal Care, Internally Displaced Persons, Conflict Settings, Maternal Health, Benue State, Nigeria, Health Access, Humanitarian Interventions.

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Paper Submission Last Date
30 - November - 2025

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