Pathways to care among women hospitalized with severe abortion complications in Bangui, Central African Republic, a conflict-affected urban setting: qualitative results of the AMoCo (abortion-related morbidity and mortality in conflict-affected and fragile settings) study

Our findings highlight the urgent need for MoH and partners to implement strategies improving timely access to high-quality postabortion care, such as informing communities about danger signs of abortion complications, treatment locations, improving referral systems, and reducing financial barriers. Training informal and lower-level medical staff in the recognition and treatment of abortion complications and about respectful non-judgmental communication with patients would also be of benefit. Furthermore, creating a more supportive environment for the provision of postabortion and safe abortion care and information should be prioritized, including the decentralisation of care to primary care facilities.