Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network and the Murrumbidgee Local Health District, which both cover local government areas including Greater Hume Shire, Berrigan Council and Federation Council, made a commitment with the signing of the Murrumbidgee Maternal and Child Health Strategy 2019-2022 on Monday.

MPHN chief executive Melissa Neal said the strategy highlights the importance of achieving positive maternal and child health outcomes for the Murrumbidgee region.

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"The intent of the strategy is for both MPHN and MLHD to have an agreed framework to guide investment, partnership and implementation over the next three years with the aim of better maternal and child health outcomes in our region," she said.

"To achieve this, we must work together to integrate and build on the existing strengths of our community, primary care and hospital-based services, and deliver high-quality and innovative service models in response to local needs and provide positive care experiences for families in the Murrumbidgee."

Murrumbidgee child and infant mortality rate sits at 4.6 per 1000, compared to the Australian rate of 4.1 per 1000. There is 17.7 per cent of Murrumbidgee women who smoke during pregnancy, nationally only 11 per cent of pregnant women smoke.

MLHD chief executive Jill Ludford said the strategy identifies "practical steps to respond to the needs and challenges of our region"

The priorities of the strategy include to enhance the use of Telehealth, increase uptake of maternal and child health screening and assessment, develop a regional workforce development plan, enhance the availability of health support, increase uptake of maternity shared care arrangements and develop new or enhance existing health hubs.

The strategy will act as a guide for the next three years.