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.