New report highlights global burden of maternal, newborn and young child deaths

Nov 25 2016

Today FIGO, ICM, ICN and IPA announce the publication of a report showing the global burden of maternal, newborn and young child deaths and launch the Together We Can campaign to tackle it.

Most maternal, newborn and child deaths are preventable. The new report highlights nine main killers which are responsible for the high mortality rates in the 20 countries with the highest instance of these deaths; Hemorrhage, Hypertension, Maternal Sepsis, Prematurity, Asphyxia, Neonatal Sepsis, Childhood Pneumonia, Diarrhea, Malaria. Simple interventions to the way mothers and babies are cared for could save up to 50% of these lives by 2035, interventions like the rotavirus and hib vaccinations, active management of third stage labour (AMTSL) and kangaroo care.

Health professionals are a critical force in driving forward improvements in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health. Health professional associations, FIGO, ICM, ICN and IPA, represent millions of gynecologists, obstetricians, midwives, nurses and pediatricians, whose expert care touches the lives of billions of people each year. These globally respected organisations are now coming together in the Together We Can campaign to advocate for safer pregnancy, better birth and healthier childhoods and ensure that the experts who care for mothers, newborns and children are at the centre of health policy decisions.

FIGO President, Professor Chittaranjan Narahari Purandare, said: "FIGO is delighted to launch the Together We Can campaign with our colleagues in ICM, ICN and IPA. It is critical that we provide much needed antenatal care during pregnancy, deliver them safely with healthy newborns, look after their wellbeing during the postnatal period and give the children healthier childhoods."

ICM President, Frances Day-Stirk, said: "The global data on maternal mortality indicates that most preventable maternal and newborn deaths occur in low and middle income countries. The key to ensure that progress is made in achieving SDGs 3 and 5, more qualified and supported healthcare professionals are needed - all working together to make the change."

ICN Chief Executive Officer, Dr Frances Hughes, said: "The Together We Can campaign demonstrates the critical role of the health workforce in reducing maternal, newborn and child deaths. As nurses, we know that it is only by working together effectively that we can promote the interventions which work best to protect these vulnerable populations."

IPA President, Dr Zulfiqar Bhutta, said: "Health professionals' hands-on work gives us unique experience in improving and saving lives. This campaign will put us where we need to be - at the centre of health policy and implementation."