Global Push Intensifies to End Preventable Maternal and Newborn Deaths

Global health organizations and governments are intensifying their efforts to accelerate action to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths.  A new initiative, launched by the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH), aims to galvanize global action and ensure that all women and newborns have access to quality healthcare.

The initiative comes as progress towards reducing maternal and newborn mortality has stalled in recent years, highlighting the urgent need for renewed commitment and investment. The initiative focuses on addressing the key factors that contribute to maternal and newborn deaths, such as lack of access to skilled birth attendants, inadequate antenatal care, and poor quality of care during childbirth.

It calls for increased investment in health systems strengthening, including training and equipping healthcare workers, improving infrastructure, and ensuring access to essential medicines and supplies.  The initiative also emphasizes the importance of addressing social and economic inequalities that contribute to poor maternal and newborn health outcomes.

The PMNCH is working with a wide range of partners, including governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector, to implement the initiative.  The goal is to accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals related to maternal and newborn health. 

The initiative will focus on supporting countries with the highest burden of maternal and newborn deaths, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The call to action comes at a critical time, as the COVID-19 pandemic has further disrupted healthcare services and exacerbated existing inequalities.

The pandemic has highlighted the fragility of health systems and the need for greater investment in preparedness and resilience.  The new initiative provides a renewed opportunity to accelerate progress towards ending preventable maternal and newborn deaths and ensuring that all women and newborns have the chance to survive and thrive.