Bold plan to improve maternal, infant health – Gates Foundation

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation that is expected to save the lives of more than two million women and children at risk of maternal mortality. This announcement came as part of the seventh annual Goalkeepers Report, which assesses progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and identifies areas where innovation and investment can drive positive change, particularly in combating maternal and child mortality worldwide.

Co-authored by Melinda French Gates and Bill Gates, the co-chairs of the foundation, the report showcases fresh data emphasizing the potential impact of expanding global access to seven innovative approaches and practices addressing the primary causes of maternal and newborn fatalities. They argue that by making these innovations accessible to those in need, it could save an additional two million lives by 2030 and 6.4 million lives by 2040. This represents not only a significant reduction in heartbreak for families but also an opportunity for these individuals to contribute positively to our world.

Despite the progress made in improving maternal health between 2000 and 2015, the report acknowledges that advancements have stalled since the onset of COVID-19. It attributes this stagnation to a lack of access to vital innovations and practices that can prevent and treat dangerous childbirth complications like post-partum hemorrhaging, infections, and maternal anemia, which have emerged over the past decade.

In response, Melinda and Bill Gates call for immediate action to get the world back on course to meet the global targets of reducing maternal mortality to below 70 deaths per 100,000 births and newborn mortality to 12 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2030. Importantly, many of these life-saving innovations and practices can be administered by midwives and birth attendants within communities.

Damilola Adeleke

Adeleke Damilola (ACTION) is a versatile content writer with expertise in news writing and a seasoned media professional and broadcast specialist. Currently serving as News Editor for DNews Info, Damilola is also the CEO of the ACTION brand, committed to shaping lives and establishing a legacy of excellence for present and future generations.