The Evidence for Action programme is supporting efforts to save the lives of mothers and newborns in Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Tanzania, by focusing on using better evidence on maternal-newborn care and survival to ensure that the most rigorously researched data can be accessed by influential advocates in order to hold policy-makers to account for progress towards MDGs 4 and 5.

 

In many countries there is a lack of evidence at national and sub-national levels to show how many mothers and newborns die each year. Where data exists, it could be better used to support effective programming and monitoring progress towards the MDGs. Translating evidence into meaningful action has also been a critical missing element in efforts to improve maternal and newborn health. The programme is working with data, researchers, advocates and policy-makers at all levels. Advocacy messages also need to use clear and powerful evidence, improved evidence needs to form the backbone of advocacy campaigns and strengthen the legitimacy of advocates to work with and influence politicians and policy-makers. Rigorous evidence will also support and strengthen accountability mechanisms. Our approach is to work with governments to support accountability efforts within government; and the accountability of governments and service providers to citizens.