Abstract

BACKGROUND: Maternal mortality remains a critical global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where thousands of women die annually from preventable complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Timely access to healthcare can prevent maternal deaths, yet many women are unable to receive care due to inadequate health infrastructure, financial constraints, cultural barriers, and geographic isolation. The literature has extensively covered clinical and socioeconomic determinants, yet little is understood about how transportation infrastructure and mobility can shape access to care and health outcomes.

SUBJECTS & METHOD: This systematic review analyzes transportation systems as essential components of maternal healthcare delivery in LMICs. It compares existing research on programs that integrate transportation solutions—such as emergency referral systems, maternity waiting homes, and community transport networks—into models of maternal care, while evaluating the design, effectiveness, and adaptability of these interventions.

RESULTS: The study found articles discussing a variety of LMICs with programs focused on developing transportation-based solutions to maternal healthcare. The case studies revealed various barriers to maternal healthcare services in the transportation sector, including economic, cultural, and infrastructure factors. The study found potential solutions to structural barriers to maternal healthcare by developing local infrastructure, using creative modes of transportation – such as motorbikes – and developing cultural education programs to ensure individuals know the importance of facility-based births.

CONCLUSION: Maternal healthcare depends on key factors that influence transportation program success or failure. Furthermore, policymakers and global health practitioners should develop stronger infrastructure, position their interventions within local contexts, and address cultural concerns when seeking to strengthen equitable access to maternal healthcare and reduce preventable maternal deaths.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.