Fig. 1

Continuum of care framework for maternal and newborn health in South Africa, [2]. The continuum of care framework for South Africa was developed by national health system stakeholders and decision makers [2]. It outlines important evidence-based interventions to improve maternal and child health outcomes across the continuum of care. Our study focuses on maternal health aspects. Interventions are implemented across the lifecycle from pre-pregnancy to postnatal period. The levels of care are outlined vertically, and the framework recommends connectedness or linkages between these levels to improve care. In addition, connection between intervention packages (boxed and colour coded) are important. As a primary health care framework, delivery of services on the continuum of care occurs at the district level and below. Besides health system interventions are “intersectoral factors” that represent important social determinants of health for maternal health. These include good living conditions, empowerment and education