WHO identifies several key issues that shape policy and strategic directions for maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (MNCAH) programmes. These issues guide efforts to improve health outcomes and address global health challenges.

1. Equity and universal health coverage: Ensuring that MNCAH services reach all populations, especially marginalized and vulnerable groups, is a top priority. Addressing inequalities in health care access and outcomes is crucial for achieving universal health coverage. Programmes must focus on delivering quality care to underserved areas and populations, reducing disparities.
2. Integrated service delivery: MNCAH services should be integrated across the life course and within broader health systems. This includes linking maternal and newborn care, child health services and adolescent health interventions, ensuring continuity of care from pregnancy through adolescence.
3. Quality of care: Strengthening quality of care is essential to reduce maternal and child mortality. This involves improving health infrastructure, training health care workers, and ensuring access to essential medicines and technologies.
4. Multisectoral approaches: MNCAH outcomes are influenced by factors beyond the health sector, such as education, nutrition, sanitation and gender equality. Policy directions must foster collaboration across sectors to address the social determinants of health.
5. Health system strengthening: Policies must emphasize strengthening health systems, focusing on workforce development, health financing, governance and data systems for effective monitoring and evaluation.

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