The effects of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the delivery of maternal and child health services in South Africa

Objective

The COVID-19 pandemic severely interrupted the functioning of healthcare systems, negatively affecting the global provision of maternal and child health (MCH) services. This study aims to specify the effects of COVID-19 on these services in the Gauteng province (South Africa) and to put forward context-specific recommendations aimed at augmenting them and ensuring ongoing uninterrupted coverage, even and especially during pandemics.

Methods

In this quantitative study, a retrospective review of District Health Information System data routinely collected between February 2019 and March 2021 was conducted, comparing performance of the relevant indicators across the two-year span. The data were analyzed using Stata 16 statistical software (StataCorp). The two sample t-test with equal variance and the Mann-Whitney test were applied to evaluate the equality of the indicators.

Results

Routine MCH services were negatively impacted, with marked declines in all relevant indicators from the onset of the pandemic. There was a statistically significant decline in cervical cancer coverage and maternal postnatal visits within six days of delivery. While declines in the other critical indicators were likewise observed, they were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The South African response to the pandemic had negative repercussions on all MCH services in the Gauteng province. The lessons to be drawn from the pandemic experience should help to strengthen health system capacities, boost service provision, and mitigate future damage to the healthcare system.