Antenatal care (ANC) coverage is a success story in Africa, since over two-thirds of pregnant women (69 percent) have at least one ANC contact. However, to achieve the full life-saving potential that ANC promises for women and babies,atleast four visits providing essential evidence based interventions – a package often called focused antenatal care – are required. Essential interventions in ANC include regular monitoring of growth of baby, regular monitoring of maternal health,providing timely supplements,immunisation, counselling, identification and management of obstetric complications such as preeclampsia, identification and management of infections including HIV, syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). ANC is also an opportunity to promote the use of skilled attendance at birth and healthy behaviours such as breastfeeding, early postnatal care, and planning for optimal pregnancy spacing.