Addressing maternal and child health disparities through community basednursing interventions

Abstract

Maternal and child health disparities continue to represent a major global public health concern, particularly in underserved and resource limited settings where access to quality healthcare remains inadequate. Elevated maternal and infant mortality rates are primarily associated with insufficient antenatal care, poor maternal nutrition, lack of health education, and systemic inequities in healthcare delivery. These disparities are further shaped by social determinants such as poverty, gender inequality, and geographical inaccessibility, which delay timely utilization of preventive and curative services. Community based nursing interventions have emerged as a vital strategy to address these gaps by providing accessible, culturally appropriate, and evidence based care within communities. This article examines key determinants of maternal and child health disparities and highlights the role of community based nursing in implementing clinical screening, pharmacological management, nutritional support, and behaviour change communication strategies. It also evaluates the effectiveness of these interventions in improving maternal and neonatal outcomes while identifying existing challenges and policy implications. Strengthening community health systems and enhancing the capacity of nursing professionals are essential for achieving equitable, sustainable, and improved health outcomes.