Women and children living in conflict or post-conflict settings are particularly vulnerable. The collapse of health infrastructure, issues related to gender-based violence and a lack of access to high quality health care—particularly during pregnancy and delivery—is having devastating consequences for maternal and newborn health in Syria…read more
Profiles of Maternal and Newborn Health in Humanitarian Settings: 2015 Nepal Earthquake
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Profiles of Maternal and Newborn Health in Humanitarian Settings: Ebola Virus Outbreak
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Humanitarian crises—defined as events or series of events that represent a critical threat to the health, safety, security or wellbeing of a community or other large group of people—present unique challenges for women and children. This three-part series will explore maternal and newborn health issues through the lens of three humanitarian settings, starting with an example of an infectious disease outbreak…read more
From the Archives | Addressing Sexual, Reproductive and Maternal Health in Humanitarian Settings
Posted on[Part 3] Obstetric Fistula: Innovative Interventions and the Way Forward
Posted onThe devastating effects of obstetric fistula can be prevented and treated with timely, high quality medical care. Innovative interventions, such as mobile-based programs and community and peer support networks, can help women overcome barriers and access life-changing obstetric fistula repair…read more
[Part 2] Obstetric Fistula: Women’s Voices
Posted onDespite living in diverse political, economic and sociocultural contexts, women who experience obstetric fistula (OF) often tell similar stories. Many have encountered extremely poor quality of care, been stigmatized by their families and communities and struggled with rehabilitation and reintegration following OF surgery. However, many women’s stories also illustrate their resilience and hope for the future…read more
[Part 1] Obstetric Fistula: A Global Maternal Health Challenge
Posted onFistula—a hole between the birth canal and another organ (typically the bladder or rectum)—is a tragic maternal morbidity, particularly in low-resource settings. Obstetric fistula, caused by prolonged or obstructed labor, is the most common type of fistula and often results in a number of physical, emotional and social challenges for women who live with it…read more
World Tuberculosis Day: Calling Attention to TB in Pregnancy
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On World Tuberculosis Day, we call on the global reproductive and maternal health community to unite in our efforts to end tuberculosis and improve maternal newborn health around the world. The Maternal Health Task Force has compiled key research and resources related to tuberculosis in pregnancy and beyond…read more
Advancing Maternal #HealthForAll at the 2017 Institutionalizing Community Health Conference
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The Maternal Health Task Force (MHTF) is delighted to participate in and support the Institutionalizing Community Health Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, taking place 27-30 March 2017. The MHTF will be at the conference gathering the most relevant information on how advancing community health approaches can improve global maternal newborn health…read more