A narrative literature review on media and maternal health in Africa.

Health communication is a strategy used to disseminate health information to individuals and communities to enable them to make decisions that will enhance their health and well‐being. Particularly in the era of digital health, such strategies tend to emphasize health promotion and disease prevention. Access to essential health information is a fundamental aspect of an effective health‐care system and is therefore crucial for achieving universal health coverage and other health‐related sustainable development goals. Traditional media play a crucial role in enhancing maternal and newborn health, which remains a significant challenge in sub‐Saharan Africa. This narrative literature review explores the use of mass media in disseminating maternal health‐related information in Africa. Twenty‐five articles were considered relevant and included in the review. The result is presented under the following themes (1) access to health information, (2) health‐seeking behavior, (3) birth preparedness, and (4) challenges associated with mass media. UNICEF Strategy for Health 2016–2030, African Union agenda 2063, and sustainable development goal #3 informed this review. As a major stakeholder in the African health sectors, the media plays a critical role in tackling systemic health inequities by promoting the sharing of maternal health information with citizens. There is a need for collaboration among all health stakeholders, as well as a sustainable relationship between media practitioners and health authorities for the promotion of improved maternal health in Africa. Key points: Access to essential health information is a fundamental aspect of an effective health‐care system and is therefore crucial for achieving universal health coverage and other health‐related sustainable development goals.Exposure to media promotes increased usage of antenatal care and skilled birth attendants, reproductive behaviors of women and their spouses, and reduced maternal morbidity and mortality in Africa.A major challenge associated with media intervention, advocacy, and engagement on maternal health issues is inequalities in media access with its attendant effect on maternal health service utilization.The media as a major stakeholder in the health sector plays a critical role in tackling the systemic health inequalities in Africa by promoting the sharing of maternal health information with citizens.There is the need for effective dissemination of health information and education through media advocacy amid the grime statistics of a high rate of mortality, morbidity, and undernutrition of mothers in the continent of Africa.There is need for synergy among all health stakeholders and a sustainable relationship between media practitioners and health authorities for the promotion of good maternal health in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]