Advocating for Safe Motherhood.
Maternal health, from affecting the well-being of women, children, families, and communities worldwide, is something that is not talked about enough. It encompasses the health care that include family planning, preconception, prenatal, and postnatal care - so it’s a broad spectrum, but every aspect is vital. To ensure a positive and fulfilling experience in most cases and reduce maternal morbidity and mortality in others, having a safe experience through motherhood and parenthood overall is so incredibly crucial. Here's a look at the importance of maternal health and organisations dedicated to improving it globally:
Importance of Maternal Health
Reduces Maternal Mortality: Improving maternal health care services directly contributes to the reduction of preventable maternal mortality, which remains high in many parts of the world.
Promotes Healthy Families: When mothers are healthy, it positively impacts the health and well-being of children and families.
Economic and Social Development: Healthy mothers contribute to the economic stability and growth of communities and nations.
Rights-Based Approach: Access to quality maternal health care is a fundamental human right every woman should enjoy, regardless of her socioeconomic status or geographical location.
Spotlight on Organisations
Every Mother Counts is dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother, everywhere. It invests in programs that improve access to essential maternity care, educate the public about maternal health, and advocate for policy change.
The Maternity Foundation works to ensure a safer birth for women and newborns, wherever they live. They develop and promote scalable and innovative solutions, like the Safe Delivery App, which provides skilled birth attendants with direct and instant access to evidence-based and up-to-date clinical guidelines.
White Ribbon Alliance is a global network of maternal health advocates who campaign for more resources and the right policies to prevent the needless deaths of women during pregnancy and childbirth. They focus on grassroots initiatives and hold governments accountable for their promises to women.
4. UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund)
UNFPA works to end maternal mortality, unmet need for family planning, and gender-based violence and harmful practices against women and girls. They support maternal health programs in more than 150 countries, home to the majority of the world’s people.
How to Support Maternal Health
Educate Yourself and Others: Understanding the challenges and solutions related to maternal health is the first step in advocating effectively.
Donate: Support organisations working on maternal health either through direct donations or participating in fundraising campaigns.
Advocate for Policy Change: Engage with and encourage policymakers to prioritize maternal health in both local and global agendas.
Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to local or international organisations dedicated to maternal health.
Spread Awareness: Use social media or community events to spread awareness about the importance of maternal health.
Ensuring every woman has access to quality maternal health care is vital for building healthy, robust, and equitable societies. By supporting organisations dedicated to maternal health, advocating for effective policies, and raising awareness, you can contribute to the well-being of mothers and children worldwide. Your engagement is crucial in the fight for every woman's right to safe and respectful maternity care.
