Document Type

Article

Department

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health; Obstetrics and Gynaecology (East Africa)

Abstract

Progress: The last two decades have seen a growing focus on intersectoral interventions to improve maternal and newborn health and well-being outcomes, as refected in eforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Preterm births are linked to cross-sectoral determi‑ nants that afect health outcomes and human capital across the life-course, necessitating an intersectoral approach that addresses these multifaceted challenges.

Programmatic priorities: Recognizing that social, biological and economic determinants signifcantly infuence health outcomes, it is critical that robust health systems are reinforced by a comprehensive intersectoral approach. Evidence suggests that the factors infuencing preterm birth, and the health of small and sick newborns are vast and varied, requiring interventions that address equity and rights, education, economic factors, environmental condi‑ tions, and emergency responses, i.e., a new framework entitled "fve Es".

Pivots: Improving outcomes for newborns, including preterm and small for gestational age babies, and prevent‑ ing stillbirths, requires enhanced measurement and accountability within intersectoral programs across the ’fve Es’. Investment in equity-focused, gender-transformative, and rights-based policies and programs across various sec‑ tors is crucial. Priority areas include ensuring equitable and inclusive education, particularly comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education; developing innovative fnancing schemes that protect and support families with complicated pregnancies and vulnerable infants; creating environmentally adaptive systems that prioritize maternal and newborn health; and implementing emergency response plans that guarantee the continuity of mater‑ nal and newborn health services. Evidence-based intersectoral interventions ofer a promising pathway to reducing preterm births and improving health outcomes across generations. By addressing the fve Es, intersectoral interven‑ tions can create a healthier future for preterm babies, children, adolescents, women, and society as a whole.

Publication (Name of Journal)

Reproductive Health

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-025-02043-9

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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