WHO outlines several critical steps for conducting a situation assessment as part of programme planning and review for MNCAH. These steps help identify the key health challenges, needs and priorities for targeted interventions.

1. Data collection: The first step is gathering relevant quantitative and qualitative data on MNCAH indicators, including health outcomes such as maternal and infant mortality rates, immunization coverage, nutrition status, adolescent health behaviours and access to essential services.
2. Health system analysis: Assessing the capacity of the health system is vital. This involves reviewing infrastructure, workforce availability, supply chain efficiency, and the accessibility and quality of care across different regions or populations.
3. Policy and stakeholder review: This step evaluates existing national health policies, programmes and laws related to MNCAH. It also involves identifying key stakeholders (government bodies, nongovernmental organizations, communities) and understanding their roles, priorities and contributions to health services.
4. Social determinants of health: Analysing the broader social, economic and environmental factors that affect MNCAH, such as poverty, education, gender inequality and cultural practices, is critical.
5. Equity and vulnerability assessment: Special attention needs to be given to vulnerable populations (e.g. rural, low-income or marginalized groups), ensuring that their health challenges are highlighted and addressed.

   This systematic assessment lays the foundation for targeted, effective MNCAH programmes.

WHO outlines specific steps for review and evaluation as part of the programme planning and review cycle for MNCAH. These steps ensure that programmes are effective and continuously improved.

1. Define evaluation objectives: Identify what aspects of the MNCAH programme need to be evaluated, such as the impact on health outcomes, service delivery quality or resource use. Evaluation criteria should align with the programme’s goals and objectives.
2. Develop indicators and data collection: Establish relevant indicators to measure progress (e.g. maternal mortality rates, immunization coverage). Gather data through monitoring systems, surveys and health information systems.
3. Analyse performance: Compare the programme’s performance against set benchmarks or standards. Assess whether the interventions have achieved their intended outcomes and identify gaps or inefficiencies.
4. Engage stakeholders: Include feedback from key stakeholders, such as health care workers, government officials and the community. This step ensures that the evaluation considers multiple perspectives.
5. Document lessons learned: Identify key lessons from the programme’s successes and challenges. This documentation supports knowledge-sharing and informs future programme planning.
6. Revise and adapt the programme: Based on the evaluation, make necessary adjustments to the programme. This may involve refining interventions, reallocating resources or strengthening health systems.

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WHO provides a structured approach for priority setting in MNCAH programme planning. This step ensures that resources and efforts focus on the most critical health needs and challenges.

1. Review situation assessment: Begin by analysing the findings from the situation assessment. This includes health data, social determinants, health system capacity and the needs of vulnerable populations. The analysis highlights the key health challenges.
2. Engage stakeholders: Involve a broad range of stakeholders, including government officials, health professionals, nongovernmental organizations, community leaders and the target population. This ensures that diverse perspectives inform the decision-making process.
3. Set criteria for prioritization: Establish criteria for selecting priorities, such as the burden of disease (e.g. maternal or infant mortality), feasibility of interventions, cost-effectiveness and potential for long-term impact. Equity considerations, like reducing health disparities in vulnerable groups, should also guide decisions.
4. Identify key priorities: Based on the established criteria, select the most urgent and impactful health issues to address. Priorities should align with national health policies and international goals, such as the Sustainable Development Goals.
5. Validate and finalize priorities: Present the identified priorities to stakeholders for validation. This step ensures consensus and commitment to the selected goals.

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