In Malawi, men tend to stay minimally involved with maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) services for their families, as there is a stigma against men becoming involved because it is commonly seen as a woman’s domain, unimportant or uncomfortable. However, evidence suggests that men’s involvement is important for positive MNCH outcomes and programs to educate men and incentivise their involvement in Malawi have been implemented in the last couple of years. Chief leaders, for example, have attempted to implement policies to mandate fathers’ attendance at antenatal care appointments showing an interest in involving men more in MNCH.
Community leaders should be involved in MNCH health care providers program initiatives as they play an imperative role in the promotion of MNCH services knowledge and men’s role in supporting women accessing these.
Health care provider initiatives must create gender-inclusive programs to reduce gender barriers that prevent men from involving in MNCH services.
Use positive strategies to involve men as full partners in MNCH such as involving them in peer groups that promote messages on the benefits of using MNCH services and encouraging their active participation in their partner’s maternal journey.
The use of incentives by health providers in the form of priority health care encourages men involvement in MNCH services. Furthermore, men are more likely to get involved in MNCH when policies, community and health care providers initiatives to transform gender relations are stimulated.
Efforts to involve men in MNCH in Malawi should be gender-inclusive so as to not reinforce patriarchal norms.
