Actionable research is essential for taking on maternal mortality. Our first Research Compendium features over 100 publications we have supported over the past seven years – including independent evaluations, peer-reviewed articles, program reports and policy briefs. The publications have been invaluable for informing our work, and we hope they continue to spur innovation and steer us all toward more effective approaches for reducing maternal mortality globally.

In collaboration with the Women Political Leaders Global Forum (WPL), we released new findings from a research study that examined access to maternal healthcare in the EU28 and recommendations to address gaps. Gabriele Grom, Associate Vice President for MSD for the Central Eastern Europe (CEE) Cluster and MSD for Mothers executive ambassador, also moderated a panel at the WPL Summit on the importance of equitable and universal maternal healthcare in the EU. You can read her reflections here.

MSD employees play a critical role in applying their business and scientific expertise in supporting our mission. More than 550 MSD employees volunteer their time through the MSD for Mothers ambassador and MSD Expert programs, and nearly 50 global health fellows have supported MSD for Mothers partners through the MSD Fellowship for Global Health. Hear directly from MSD CEO Ken Frazier about the importance of working together to support the Mom Effect.

The Utkrisht Impact Bond is the world’s first health development impact bond and an example of how highly efficient use of capital can save lives. Interventions will reach up to 600,000 pregnant women with improved care during delivery and could lead to up to 10,000 lives being saved over a five-year period in India’s Rajasthan State. Learn more about the partnership and how it works here.

Although maternal death rates have declined globally over the past 25 years, the U.S. is one of the only high-income countries where maternal mortality is on the rise. In October, we announced the “Safer Childbirth Cities” Initiative, a new effort to support cities across the country to help women have a healthy pregnancy and safe childbirth. Learn more about the initiative, what’s occurring in the U.S., and how to get involved here.

In 2018, we partnered with Devex to explore private sector solutions and collaborations for tackling global health challenges. From exploring new funding models to tapping digital innovations to improve health care quality, follow along for insights and sign up for monthly updates for the latest.

A new wave of smart, innovative apps and digital platforms is empowering doctors, nurses, midwives, mothers and babies from the most far-flung corners of the planet to the busiest hospitals in the biggest cities. Follow us as we look at some of the most exciting digital innovations in maternal health and meet the social entrepreneurs who are empowering women with mobile solutions.

In 2012, we launched the MSD for Mothers Global Giving Program – a corporate grants program that enables MSD offices around the world to support NGOs that are improving maternal health. To date, over fifty NGO and charitable organizations in forty countries have received grants, from Eastern Europe to Egypt and Ethiopia. In Brazil, a program has led to a 54% reduction in maternal deaths in a participating hospital after one year. The program is now being extended into new hospitals and regions. Learn more here.

Every day, nearly 200 women around the world die from bleeding complications after childbirth, also known as postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Most deaths due to PPH are preventable, yet it is still a major contributor to the leading, direct cause of maternal mortality worldwide. MSD for Mothers, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, and the WHO, through a public private-private collaboration, are working together to tackle this global health issue. Learn more about how the collaboration came to be here. Photo by Paul Joseph Brown.

Five years ago, Saving Mothers, Giving Life (SMGL) – a major public-private partnership – achieved greater than 40% reductions in maternal mortality in target districts in Uganda and Zambia. As the program ends, read the final report to see the results and impact. Dr. Mary-Ann Etiebet, MSD for Mothers lead, also shares insights about the partnership and lessons learned along the way here.