A Research Protocol: Investigating Challenges and Opportunities for Obstetric and Gynaecological Care in Post-Conflict African States,

Post-conflict African states face significant challenges in rebuilding health systems, with obstetric and gynaecological care often severely compromised. A detailed understanding of the specific barriers and facilitators to care in these settings is required to improve maternal and reproductive health outcomes. This protocol describes a study designed to systematically identify and analyse the principal challenges and opportunities for delivering obstetric and gynaecological care in post-conflict African states. Its primary objective is to generate evidence that can inform more effective, context-specific health system interventions and policies. A mixed-methods design will be used. This will involve a systematic scoping review of published and grey literature, followed by in-depth, semi-structured interviews with key informants. Participants will include healthcare providers, policymakers, and non-governmental organisation representatives working in selected post-conflict settings. Qualitative data will be synthesised using thematic analysis. As this is a research protocol, no empirical findings are presented. The study is designed to identify key themes and, where possible, quantify the prevalence of reported systemic barriers, such as workforce shortages or supply chain failures. The study is expected to yield a comprehensive analysis of the obstetric and gynaecological care landscape in post-conflict African states. It aims to move beyond general descriptions to identify actionable points for health system strengthening. Anticipated recommendations will be directed at national ministries of health and international aid agencies. They will focus on practical strategies for workforce training, building supply chain resilience, and integrating mental health support into routine maternal care. post-conflict, obstetric care, gynaecology, health systems, maternal health, Africa, qualitative research This protocol provides a structured methodological framework for a critically under-researched area. The study aims to produce actionable insights to guide the reconstruction of essential health services for women in post-conflict settings.