advances and challenges in maternal and child health (mch) in the west asia and north africa (wana) region: a path to achieving the 2030 sustainable development goals (sdgs)

Background: maternal and child health (mch) is a critical component of the sustainable development goals (sdgs), with the aim of reducing mortality rates by 2030. objectives: this study aims to evaluate the current status of mch in the west asia and north africa (wana) region and propose strategies to effectively achieve these goals. methods: this study analyzed mch indicators in 23 countries within the wana region using secondary data. multiple international, regional, and national sources were consulted. the study examined 11 key indicators, including maternal mortality ratio (mmr) and child mortality rates. a total of 90 key experts provided insights into the challenges and gaps hindering the achievement of the sdgs. results: the indicators related to mch in the region displayed significant disparities among the countries. for instance, the average mmr per 100,000 live births was found to be 94.1, which is considerably higher than the 2030 target of 70. similarly, countries such as afghanistan, sudan, mauritania, and yemen are far from reaching the 2030 targets for neonatal deaths, as well as mortality rates for children under 1 year and under 5 years of age. conclusions: countries in the wana region face challenges in achieving mch goals by 2030. to address these challenges, targeted interventions are needed. policymakers must prioritize addressing disparities in healthcare access, gender inequality, health literacy, and economic stability. the findings of this study can guide efforts toward achieving the sdgs; however, further research is required to optimize interventions.