Table 5 Selected WHO policy guidance recommendationsa for ANC compared to country policy guidance
WHO Recommendation | Related Guidance in Country Policies | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Kenya | Mozambique | Uganda | Zimbabwe | |
Prioritize ANC services for women in third trimester and high-risk women | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Facilities to keep register of high-risk ANC clients for follow up via telephone |
Ensure birth preparedness / complication readiness plans are adapted to COVID-19 services | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Not mentioned |
Offer 2–3 months of recommended micronutrient supplements and ITNs | Women attending ANC should be provided up to 3 months of supplements or medication, including ARVs (ITNs not mentioned) | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Not mentioned |
Where feasible, use digital platforms for counseling and screening | ANC schedule to include phone-based consultations | Pregnant women advised to call health care provider for minor complaints rather than visit health facility | Not mentioned | Phone consultations should be done as possible, either at nearby health facility or using a call center |
Where feasible, book ANC visits | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Not mentioned |
Plan to provide all relevant ANC care in a single visit | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Not mentioned |
Prioritize risk assessments for conditions known to be increased in COVID-19 context (tobacco, alcohol, other substance use; anxiety and depression; and gender-based violence [GBV]) | Conduct screening for GBV (other risk assessments not mentioned) | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Not mentioned |