BACKGROUND:
Timely and quality antenatal care (ANC) improves maternal and neonatal outcomes, particularly in low-resource settings. This study assessed ANC attendance and quality at the MUNEZERO Polyclinic in Kamenge, Burundi, in relation to WHO standards.

OBJECTIVES:
To evaluate ANC attendance patterns, the quality of services provided, influencing factors for adherence, and associated maternal-neonatal outcomes.

METHODS:
A prospective, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted from May 1, 2024, to May 1, 2025. A total of 648 pregnant women attending ANC at the clinic were included through exhaustive sampling. Data were collected using a structured grid and analyzed manually using cross-tabulations and proportion comparisons.

RESULTS:
Of 648 participants, 64% (n=415) attended at least 4 ANC visits, while 18% (n=117) completed the 8 WHO-recommended contacts. Higher attendance was associated with secondary or higher education (72%) and living within 3 km of the clinic (58%). Key interventions included insecticide-treated net distribution (80%), IPTp (77%), tetanus vaccination (87%), obstetric ultrasound (67%), and basic lab tests (91%). However, syphilis testing (41%) and systematic urine screening (33%) were suboptimal. Obstetric complications occurred in 19% of women with fewer than 4 visits, compared to 7% among those with 4 or more.

CONCLUSIONS:
Frequent ANC attendance was associated with improved service uptake and fewer maternal-neonatal complications. Geographic proximity and education level were key determinants of adherence.

KEY MESSAGE:
Midwives play a pivotal role in improving ANC uptake through education, service integration, and continuity of care, especially in resource-limited settings. Poster session 1 (Group A)