Maternal and Newborn Health

Preventing maternal and newborn mortality with quality, respectful, and dignified care from pregnancy through the postpartum period.

Planning for and implement comprehensive and respectful MNH services in humanitarian settings.
Improving quality of care for mothers and newborns, supporting universal rights of women throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.
Advocating for evidence-informed interventions and draw attention to barriers to implementation of maternal and newborn health (MNH).

Why It Matters

Many of the causes of maternal and newborn mortality are preventable and can be managed by skilled providers with adequate resources. The leading causes of both maternal and newborn death in humanitarian settings are considered to be preventable.

64% of global maternal deaths, 50% of newborn deaths, and 51% of stillbirths occur in the 29 countries with 2023 UN Humanitarian Appeals.

A medical professional examines a newborn who is being held by their parent.

Approaching Implementation of Respectful Maternity Care in Humanitarian Settings

Report
3/4/2022

Cover of the report shows two adults and a baby in a center completing some medical paperwork.

Success Depends on Collaboration: Cross-Sector Technical Brief on Maternal and Newborn Health and Nutrition in Humanitarian Settings

Report
4/4/2022

How We Work

Our work on this issue is led by the Maternal and Newborn Health Sub-Working Group—a dedicated group of IAWG members who set the priorities and advance research, practice, and advocacy for maternal and newborn care in humanitarian settings. Learn about their current objectives, priorities, and latest work.

Sub-Working Group

Sexual and reproductive health services remain critical during COVID-19

IAWG members and partners are producing clinical and programmatic guidance, assessments, policy papers, and statements to ensure continued prioritization of sexual and reproductive health and rights throughout COVID-19 response in humanitarian settings.

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