Reducing HIV and AIDS-related stigma and gender discrimination, increasing family and social support for HIV-positive women during and after pregnancy and mobilizing communities to promote respectful, high quality, integrated HIV and maternal newborn health services are promising strategies for preventing maternal deaths caused by HIV and AIDS…read more
Preterm Birth: A Critical Issue for the Mother-Baby Dyad
Posted onPrematurity is the leading underlying cause of death in children under five years, with over one million babies dying each year worldwide due to complications of preterm birth. For those who survive, the consequences of being born too soon can continue throughout the life course, impacting individuals, families and communities…read more
New Special Issue on Women’s Health, Gender and Empowerment
Posted onExperts Discuss Non-Communicable Diseases and Maternal Health
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Maternity Waiting Homes: A Viable Solution for Rural Women?
Posted onDistance to a health facility has long been discussed as a key barrier to maternal health care utilization in rural areas, and researchers have explored innovative models for improving access. One of these models is the use of maternity waiting homes, residential facilities located near a maternity clinic where pregnant women—often those at high risk of developing obstetric complications—can go during their third trimester and await labor and delivery…read more
Upcoming Webinar: Cesarean Section Safety and Quality in Low-Resource Settings
Posted onWhile the volume of cesarean sections in low- and middle-income countries has increased steadily in recent years, many of these procedures are being provided in settings that do not meet minimum standards of safety and quality. On Thursday, 9 November at 9:30AM ET, the Fistula Care Plus Project will be hosting a webinar titled, “Cesarean Section Safety and Quality in Low-Resource Settings: Highlights from a Global Technical Consultation”…read more
Researchers Share Lessons Learned From Measuring the Prevalence of Disrespect and Abuse
Posted onIn order to better understand the trade-offs related to various methods for measuring the prevalence of disrespect and abuse (D&A) during childbirth in health facilities, researchers conducted a systematic literature review of studies that have attempted to measure D&A. They then collaborated with the authors of these studies to compare methods and offer lessons learned…read more
New Online Course From The Lancet Maternal Health Series
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Published in September 2016, The Lancet Maternal Health Series highlighted the importance of improving equitable access to high quality maternal health care everywhere. Today, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine launched a free online course titled “The Lancet Maternal Health Series: Global Research & Evidence,” featuring maternal health experts and evidence across several disciplines including epidemiology, health systems, economics, advocacy, programming, obstetrics and midwifery…read more
Facilitators and Barriers to Engaging Communities in Maternal and Newborn Health Programs
Posted onInvolving community members throughout the process of designing, implementing and evaluating maternal and newborn health interventions is critical to the success and sustainability of programs. A recent review examined factors that contribute to effective community participation in maternal and newborn health programs…read more
