ROLE OF THE HEALTH SYSTEM ON WOMEN'S UTILIZATION OF MATERNAL HEALTH SERVICES IN SUDAN

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the poor reproductive health system performance in Sudan as well as understand better the barriers of utilization of perinatal health services. Data used in the analysis come from two national representative surveys, Sudan Household health Survey in 2006 and 2010 and health facility survey 2008. Samples of 6173 and 6065 married women in reproductive age in 2006 and 2010 respectively and 4745 health facility are used in the analysis. Furthermore, primary qualitative comes from 8 FGDs discussion with women and village midwifes, 31 in-depth interviews with decision makers and stakeholders, health providers in 2012 used in the study.
A conceptual framework was developed to examine the impact of women’s characteristics and health system elements on material health using both qualitative and quantitative indicators. The indicators are on the individual, household, and community levels. Findings demonstrate that certain factors related to cultural and women’s status aspects as well as factors related to health system in Sudan are the most significant factors that constitute challenges in the utilization of perinatal health service among women thus affect maternal health. Some policy implications and suggestions to reform reproductive health system under limited resources are discussed.