MCHF’s reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health programme connects stages of life that are often discussed separately. The strategy treats information, community support and access to services as parts of one continuum.
What is a continuum of care?
A connected approach from adolescence and reproductive health through pregnancy, birth and early childhood. Each stage has different needs, and coordination helps people move between relevant services.
Why information and choice matter
The plan prioritises youth-friendly information, voluntary and informed family-planning choices, respectful maternal care and community understanding of available services.
What a referral connects
Community support helps people understand where services are available. Referral pathways connect this support with appropriate facilities and follow-up, rather than treating outreach as a stand-alone activity.
An example to think through
Consider a person moving from youth health information to reproductive-health services, and later to pregnancy and early-childhood care. A connected programme asks whether information is understandable, services are known and transitions between services are supported. This example illustrates the continuum described in the strategy; it is not an account of an MCHF case or project.
Questions for discussion
Which stages of care are connected in the programme design? How do people learn about the services available to them? What information would show whether a referral pathway is functioning?
Reading the framework
These concepts explain MCHF’s strategic direction for 2027–2031. They are not claims of completed activities or verified outcomes. Annual planning refines implementation in response to baseline findings, confirmed resources, geographical scope and capacity.
Related knowledge
MCHF Strategic Plan 2027–2031
Our integrated five-year framework for equitable health: five programme areas, 26 interventions, implementation, learning and accountability.
Memorandum & Articles of Association
The Foundation’s objectives, governance structure, five strategic portfolios and institutional accountability framework.