About this Research Topic

Background

This Research Topic is the second volume of "Maternal Health in Conflict Settings". Please see the first volume here.

Literature in the area of maternal health and conflict has been limited. Nevertheless, it is clear that armed conflict has a gendered effect on population health. Women living in conflict or post-conflict settings are particularly vulnerable to experiencing adverse maternal health outcomes, due to safety, financial and geographical restrictions, as well as the collapse of the health system.

The first volume of this Research Topic series, which launched in 2020, included seven articles from eight countries and authors from academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and intergovernmental agencies. The articles highlighted a range of topics including quality of care, experiences of women and their healthcare providers, socio-economic determinants of healthcare access and utilization, and data availability and quality in conflict settings.

In the second volume of this Research Topic series in Frontiers in Global Women’s Health, we are encouraging all stakeholders engaged in programming, research, or leadership on maternal health in conflict settings to submit new research or practice pieces.

The priorities of this Research Topic are to highlight:

Priority 1. Areas of maternal health that have been less well-studied, but that are critical to building the body of literature on maternal health and conflict
Although studies are reporting on the challenges and unmet needs of sexual and reproductive health and antenatal care services, little is known about morbidities (such as hypertension, diabetes, and infections) during pregnancy, intrapartum, and postpartum care. Studies focusing on the voices and experiences of women are essential for understanding the quality of care received. We welcome article submissions that are original research (quantitative or qualitative), systematic reviews and meta-analyses on these topics.

Priority 2. The direct and indirect impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal health in conflict settings
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated pre-existing inequities in maternal health, with conflict settings being particularly at risk. The pandemic has disproportionately impacted women due to already existing factors of vulnerability including lack of decision-making power, the gendered role of women as caregivers increasing their risk of virus exposure, and the exacerbation of sexual and gender-based violence. Articles that cover in conflict settings, either the direct impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy, or the indirect impact of the pandemic on maternal health, are of interest.

Priority 3. Community case studies that critically reflect and analyze experiences from responders and programmers
We invite papers highlighting practical (clinical, operational, or programmatic) experience related to maternal health care provision or planning. These submissions should contain analyses that critically reflect on experiences, reference credible evidence, and are directly concerned with improving maternal health. This forum will not be used for political debate but will highlight matters of pressing concern now.


The first four opinion articles accepted from practitioners, policymakers, and others living and working in current conflicts in Ethiopia, Sudan and Gaza will receive a full waiver after peer review.

Keywords: Conflict, Humanitarian Crisis, War, Maternal Mortality, Maternal Morbidity, Quality of Care, COVID-19

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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