Bridging the Gap: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Mobile Health Clinics in Delivering Antenatal and Postnatal Care in Conflict-Displaced Populations of Benue State, Nigeria

In conflict-affected regions such as Benue State, Nigeria, access to maternal healthcare remains critically compromised, particularly among internally displaced persons (IDPs). This study evaluates the effectiveness of mobile health clinics in delivering antenatal and postnatal care services to women in these vulnerable populations. Employing a mixed-methods approach, we conducted surveys with 300 displaced pregnant and postpartum women and in-depth interviews with healthcare providers and community leaders. The findings reveal that mobile health clinics significantly improved access to essential maternal services, including routine check-ups, skilled birth attendance referrals, immunizations, and health education. Additionally, the intervention reduced maternal complications and improved birth outcomes, particularly where traditional health facilities were inaccessible due to insecurity. However, challenges such as inconsistent funding, limited medical supplies, and cultural barriers persisted. This study underscores the potential of mobile health interventions to bridge critical gaps in maternal healthcare delivery in conflict settings and recommends policy integration and long-term investment to ensure sustainability.