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.
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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.
Maternal and Newborn Health Resources
Maternal and Newborn Health Prioritization in Post-Transition Somalia: Analysis of Key Stakeholder Perspectives at the Federal Level
This case study explored the current drivers of Maternal and Newborn Health prioritization in Somalia, a fragile country with very high maternal and neonatal mortality rates. The study found gaps in implementation of programs, and competing priorities due to insecurity and other health and social needs. Respondents highlighted a need to address fragmented accountability and oversight processes, and ensure meaningful inclusion of actors such as the private sector and the diaspora and women leaders.
Investigating the Impact of Armed Conflict, Cultural Factors, and Demographic Characteristics on Access to Family Planning Services in Northwest Syria: A Cross-Sectional Study
Against the backdrop of a protracted conflict, northwest Syria faces significant challenges in delivering sexual and reproductive health and rights services. The conflict, which began in 2011, has severely impacted maternal and child health, women’s wellbeing, and agency. This study investigated the factors influencing family planning service accessibility in northwest Syria, considering the intricate interplay of cultural norms, beliefs, and the backdrop of armed conflict. It found that holistic strategies are needed to ensure equitable access to family planning services in northwest Syria and similar contexts globally.
Examining Maternal and Newborn Health in Conflict-Affected Contexts: Country Profiles
The EQUAL research consortium is working to generate evidence on effective approaches to deliver life-saving maternal and newborn health (MNH) care in countries affected by conflict including in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Nigeria, Somalia, and South Sudan. These are also four countries experiencing among the poorest MNH outcomes worldwide. This information has been documented in four MNH Country profiles which will be updated annually.
An Implementation Science Study of a Heat-Producing Wrap to Complement Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) in Rwanda
Neonatal hypothermia is a major cause of preventable morbidity and mortality, especially among the world’s poorest newborns. A heat-producing wrap is necessary when kangaroo mother care (KMC) is insufficient or unavailable, yet there is little published research on such wraps. The Dream Warmer is a wrap designed to complement KMC and has been extensively studied in formal research settings but not in real-world conditions. This research found that the Warmer raised no safety concerns and was used correctly in the vast majority of cases. Healthcare providers and parents reported a generally positive experience with the Warmer.
Interlocked: Midwives and the Climate Crisis
The International Confederation of Midwives has released "Interlocked: Midwives and the Climate Crisis", a report highlighting midwives' role in addressing the health challenges posed by climate change and building climate-resilient health systems. The report reveals how midwives and community-based healthcare providers are already responding to climate disasters while grappling with increasing challenges like extreme heat, flooding, and displacement. Based on survey responses from midwives in 41 countries globally, the report reveals climate change's deep and far-reaching impacts on sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn and adolescent health.