Maternal and Child Health: How Global Efforts are Improving Outcomes
Good health is a fundamental right of all children and mothers, so understanding the progress being made in promoting and preserving health outcomes among maternal and child populations is of primary importance. Each year, millions of infants and children succumb to preventable diseases and health issues due to an inadequate access to care, while mothers must endure the same.
Despite the many challenges the world faces in healthcare, the global community is making positive strides in promoting and improving maternal and child health through collaborative efforts and the deployment of resources to underserved regions. This article will discuss the progress being made in improving maternal and child health and how these gains are helping to bridge the gaps in healthcare for both mothers and children.
What is Maternal and Child Health?
Maternal and child health is a globally-recognized issue and encompasses a range of topics from pre-pregnancy and nutrition to well-being and post-partum care. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global population must strive for unified and comprehensive action to meet the demands and needs of both mothers and children. This means reaching out to the poorest and most vulnerable groups in society, including those affected by poverty, malnutrition, and the burden of infectious diseases.
Maternal and Child Health and Poverty
Poverty and a lack of access to resources are two major factors exacerbating the incidence and prevalence of diseases among mothers and children. Studies have shown that poverty is a contributing factor to early death in infants, higher post-neonatal mortality rates, and a higher perinatal mortality rate. Furthermore, poverty is known to result in inadequate access to quality preventive services, maternal and child nutrition, and healthcare.
In response to these disparities, numerous global initiatives have been put in place to improve outcomes among those living in poverty. These initiatives include the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which seek to eliminate poverty, the Every Women Every Child (EWEC) movement which seeks to improve maternal, newborn, and child health, and the Global Fund, which works to transform global health by shifting the focus of global health funding away from diseases and to maternal and child health.
Global Investments in Maternal and Child Health
To reduce health disparities among mothers and children, global investments have been made in both local initiatives and international organizations. Multi-stakeholder collaborations with both the public and private sectors have enabled countries to foster greater access to healthcare and other essential resources.
In recent years, great strides have been made by international organizations such as the WHO, the GAVI Alliance, the UNICEF, and the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, to promote and strengthen maternal and child health. Through these efforts, resources have been allocated to a range of initiatives, including programs that focus on nutrition, immunization, and the prevention of maternal and child mortality.
Key Achievements in Maternal and Child Health
The global investments in efforts to improve maternal and child health have translated into positive outcomes and achievements. Here, we outline key accomplishments that have been realized in the improved health and well-being of mothers and children across the world.
• Infant mortality rates have decreased significantly, from an estimated 66 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 40 in 2020.
• Maternal mortality rates have also decreased globally, from an estimated 385 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 211 in 2020.
• The immunization rate has increased from 22% to 89%.
• The number of women who have access to skilled birth attendants has increased dramatically, from 40% in 1990 to 79% in 2020.
• Malnutrition rates have decreased from 20% among children under the age of five to 12% in 2020.
• The number of adolescent pregnancies has decreased dramatically since 1990, from 44 births per 1,000 women aged 15-19 years old to 28 per 1,000 today.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the progress that has been made in improving maternal and child health, there are still challenges that remain.
• In some parts of the world, access to healthcare and resources is still low.
• The prevalence of diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis is still a major concern in some countries.
• Inadequate sanitation and water infrastructure can lead to widespread health problems.
• The lack of access to contraception and family planning can also contribute to high rates of maternal mortality.
• Poverty and inequality are still key challenges in some parts of the world.
Maternal and child health is a growing concern for healthcare officials and governments around the world. It is essential to understand the progress that has been made in promoting and improving the health and well-being of mothers and children. By working together, countries can continue to combat health disparities and foster progress in maternal and child health. As more resources are allocated to the most vulnerable populations, access to care and improved health outcomes will become a reality for all mothers and children.
