Faith-based organizations (FBOs) play a crucial role in increasing access to maternal and newborn health (MNH) services worldwide. In developing countries, faith-based health care facilities provide a significant percent- age of health care services. With networks that reach even the most remote communities, many FBOs are well positioned to promote demand for and access to MNH services.
This brief explores some FBO health networks and facility-based services in Uganda and Tanzania. A pilot project in the Kasese District of Uganda illustrates how Protestant, Catholic and Muslim health care providers and communities can work together from household-to-hospital levels to improve health outcomes. In addition, the brief describes community health programs focusing on behavior change—in particular, the World Relief Care Group Model in Mozambique.