This article highlights the growing role of the private healthcare sector in providing maternal and newborn health services in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with an increasing number of people seeking care from private providers. The article argues that governments need to engage both the public and private sectors more effectively to improve the quality of care and achieve universal health coverage. While private sector services are often perceived as higher quality, variability in service standards underscores the need for structured government involvement, such as regulatory frameworks, financial incentives, and public-private partnerships.
Examples from countries like Sudan, Mexico, and Bangladesh show the potential of private sector engagement in improving access to essential services, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. However, challenges remain, such as inconsistent policies and regulatory gaps. The article calls for tailored, context-specific strategies to strengthen collaboration with private providers, ultimately accelerating progress towards universal health coverage and better maternal and newborn health outcomes in LMICs.