The experiences and perceptions of male partners of the utilization of maternity waiting home in Opuwo district, Namibia

Abstract

In 2018 Opuwo Maternity Waiting Home (MWH) was inaugurated after its completion with the assistance from WHO and the European Union. This initiative by the Ministry of Health and Social Service and its partners was aimed to ensure safe deliveries as well as to overcome physical and socio-economic barriers such as long distances, communication and high transport costs to access health care facilities for safe deliveries in Opuwo District. However, since its inception the facility has been under-utilized. The aim of the study was to explore male partners’ experiences, perceptions and roles regarding the use of the MWH in Opuwo District, Namibia.