Strengthening health systems to reduce maternal and newborn mortality worldwide
FIGO and IJGO are pleased to announce the publication of “Global Health Systems Strengthening: FIGO's Strategic View on Reducing Maternal and Newborn Mortality Worldwide”.
Written by the FIGO Committee on Health Systems Strengthening and Respectful Care, this paper highlights the significance of strengthening health systems in order to achieve universal healthcare coverage and reduce maternal and newborn mortality rates around the world.
Reducing maternal and newborn mortality is a global objective
In the past two decades, much progress has been made to reduce maternal deaths globally. However, inequities in maternal and perinatal health still persist, particularly in low-income countries and in marginalised, racial, and immigrant populations within high-income countries.
The article calls for a more comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to maternal deaths in order to formulate effective policy and health programme decisions to address the diverse challenges that women face worldwide.
FIGO’s commitment to health systems strengthening
FIGO plays a vital role in promoting health and equity for women, girls and newborns. We are fully committed to improving maternal and perinatal outcomes around the world, reducing healthcare inequities and elevating OBGYN research, education, advocacy and capacity-building.
Health systems strengthening involves initiatives to improve one or more functions of the health system, such as service delivery, workforce, information systems, access to medicines, financing and leadership with governance. FIGO recognises the importance of health systems strengthening and is committed to championing initiatives to improve health outcomes, enhance healthcare workforce capacities, and strengthen health systems worldwide.