**4. Maternal healthcare utilization in sub-Saharan Africa**

Since 2015, there have been considerable improvements in maternal healthcare utilization in sub-Saharan African countries [17]. Yet challenges remain in ensuring universal

access and utilization of maternal health services. Differences in care-seeking habits and poor usage of maternal and newborn health services are blamed for sub-Saharan Africa's slower progress in improving maternal, neonatal and child health outcomes [18]. For instance, just 48% of women in the region deliver their babies with the help of skilled attendants, compared to 72% of women globally [19]. Additionally, SSA nations continue to see persistent disparities in access to, and utilization of high-quality services, with notable access gaps between the poor and non-poor populations [20, 21]. Socioeconomic status and the location of the mother's residence have a major impact on the use of maternal, neonatal and child healthcare, with persistent wealth-related disparities [9]. The least equitable interventions, according to a study of 54 low- and middle-income countries, were four or more ANC visits and skilled birth attendance coverage. The lowest quintile (32%), in comparison to the richest quintile (84%), had lower mean skilled-birth attendance coverage [22]. This situation has a significant impact on postnatal care utilization.
