On Thursday, Saving Mothers, Giving Life released its first annual report highlighting the initiative’s rapid progress toward strengthening health systems and reducing the number of preventable maternal deaths. The comprehensive evaluation of the initiative’s efforts revealed a 30 percent decrease in the maternal mortality ratio in target districts of Uganda and a 35 percent reduction in target facilities in Zambia during its first year.
To mark the report’s release, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) hosted an engaging discussion about the initiative’s vision, impact, and future challenges and opportunities. Speaking at the event, Dr. Rajiv Shah, Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) applauded the increase in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV services in the target districts, singling out Chip Lyons, president and CEO of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) as he praised the figures.
Launched in June 2012 by former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Saving Mothers, Giving Life is a five-year public-private partnership led by USAID. It works to save women’s lives from complications of pregnancy and childbirth by strengthening health services in countries facing high levels of maternal mortality and HIV.
Learn more about EGPAF’s work to improve maternal health here.