Saving lives starts here and now

Every day, more than 800 women die from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Ninety-nine percent of maternal deaths occur in developing countries, the majority among adolescent women. Tragically, most of these deaths are preventable.

The UNC World Health Organization Collaborating Center, based in the Department of Maternal and Child Health at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, is a key partner in the fight to end these needless deaths.

The Department of Maternal and Child Health is known for its leadership in turning research evidence into health-care policy and practice, making an impact that saves lives everywhere. It aims to increase survival and improve health of women, infants and children. The department’s Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute seeks to improve the health of North Carolina mothers and children as well as those around the world by providing comprehensive pregnancy and postpartum care.

We know why pregnancy-related deaths occur, and we have effective interventions to prevent a great number of them. The challenge is how to implement these interventions, particularly in low-resource locations. The experts at UNC Gillings School know how and know now is the time.

“This is a moment like no other. We are taking bold action to implement strategies that will save the lives of mothers and children today and well into the future,” said Barbara K. Rimer, Dr.P.H., M.P.H., dean and Alumni Distinguished Professor at the UNC Gillings School.

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