This report summarizes the final recommendation and the process for developing the guideline on the effectiveness of community mobilization through facilitated participatory learning and action cycles with women’s groups for maternal and newborn health. The primary audience for this guideline is health programme managers, including governmental and non-governmental organizations, and policy makers who are responsible for designing maternal, newborn and child health programmes, primarily in low-income settings.
The guideline is also aimed at health providers and teaching institutions, to increase knowledge of interventions important for: (i) improving maternal and newborn health; (ii) improving the care provided within the household by women and families; (iii) increasing community support for maternal and newborn health; and (iv) increasing access to, and use of, skilled care. Development programmes and organizations supporting women’s empowerment and rights will also find this guideline of use.