Improving Maternal and Child Health: A Global Priority

Maternal and child health is a critical area of public health that focuses on the well-being of mothers and their children during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. Despite significant advancements over the past few decades, maternal and child health still faces numerous challenges globally, exacerbated by factors such as poverty, access, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure¹˒². 

Current State of Maternal and Child Health 

Globally, maternal health has seen some improvements, with maternal mortality rates declining by 38% in the last two decades. However, progress has been uneven and too slow to meet global targets. Each year, about 290,000 women die from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, with many of these deaths occurring in low-resource settings where access to quality healthcare is limited. Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia bear the highest burden, accounting for 86% of maternal deaths worldwide¹˒².  Support and resources available are being stretched to accommodate the growing needs of this population, and the ongoing search to scale the service delivery of what is available is the highest priority. 

The leading causes of maternal mortality include: 

• Severe bleeding 
• Infections 
• High blood pressure during pregnancy 
• Complications from delivery 
• Unsafe abortions 

Many of these deaths are preventable with timely and appropriate medical care¹. However, the COVID pandemic has further strained healthcare systems, leading to disruptions in essential maternal and newborn health services and exacerbating existing disparities²˒³. 

Importance of Maternal and Child Health 

Improving maternal and child health is crucial not only for the well-being of mothers and children but also for the broader development of communities and nations. Healthy mothers are more likely to raise healthy children, contributing to the overall health and productivity of societies. Investing in maternal health can also lead to significant economic benefits, reducing healthcare costs and improving workforce participation¹˒²˒³. 

Aga Khan Hospital, Kisumu Case Study 

One successful initiative created to improve maternal and child health is the Aga Khan Hospital Prenatal Personal Concierge support program by GoMo Health. This program was launched as a resource for pregnant women receiving prenatal care at the Aga Khan Hospital, Kisumu. The program is designed to educate and support women in a remote care setting by leveraging the GoMo Health BehavioralRx® science and mobile technology. The program delivers targeted health information, support, and resources directly to mothers’ smartphones, helping them navigate pregnancy and postpartum challenges. 

In a survey of women actively participating in the Aga Khan Hospital Prenatal Personal Concierge™ program, expectant mothers shared: 

• 100% of program participants confirmed that the concierge program helped them better manage health and pregnancy. 
• 100% of program participants would recommend the program to a friend. 
• 77% of program participants want to continue the program postpartum. 
• 1 of the 167 participants (less than 1%) had a preterm birth compared to the 12% national average. 

The Future of Maternal and Child Health 

To continue improving maternal and child health, it is essential to address the underlying social determinants of health, such as poverty, access, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure¹˒². Strengthening healthcare systems, increasing funding for maternal health services, and ensuring universal access to quality care are also critical steps. International collaboration and the commitment of governments, healthcare providers, and communities are necessary to achieve these goals¹˒²˒³. 

Programs like the Aga Khan Hospital Prenatal Personal Concierge support  program demonstrate the potential of innovative approaches to make a significant impact on maternal and child health. By combining technology, personalized care, and community engagement, we can work towards a future where all mothers and children can thrive.

References: 

1. World Health Organization. (2023). Maternal health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/health-topics/maternal-health
2. UNICEF. (2023). Maternal Health. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/health/maternal-and-newborn-health
3. Global progress in tackling maternal and newborn deaths stalls since 2015: UN. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.who.int