International Day of Action for Women's Health

Join us on Thursday, May 28, at 2:00 p.m. (Washington, D.C. time) for the "Commitment to the lives of the most vulnerable women: reducing maternal mortality in the Americas", in commemoration of the International Day of Action for Women's Health

How to participate

Day: 28 May, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Washington, D.C. time)
Registration link for virtual participation: https://paho-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_81BBObOQQryvH58G1JwBvg
Languages: Interpretation will be available in English, Portuguese and Spanish.

Context

Since 1987, May 28 has been observed as the International Day of Action for Women's Health, following a proposal by the Women's Global Network for Reproductive Rights, as a reminder to address the multiple causes of illness and death that affect women. This year, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) seeks to celebrate and renew its commitment to accelerating the reduction of maternal mortality in our region, from Brazil for the entire Region of the Americas.

Maternal death is the result of a process involving multiple factors, in which structural elements such as the economic system, environmental conditions, and culture interact. In addition, other factors related to social inequality also play a role, including racism, poverty, gender inequity, and lack of access to the education system. The interaction of these factors, considered attributes of vulnerability, contributes to adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.

In June 2024, the Regional Strategy for the Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in the Americas was presented: an action framework that outlines key challenges for countries in the Region. Among these are the alignment of health policies with the full exercise of Sexual and Reproductive Rights; the promotion of women's empowerment and participation in decisions about their health; and the adoption of structural approaches based on Primary Health Care (PHC), aimed at reducing persistent inequity gaps across populations and subnational territories.

Objectives

Renew the commitment to action for women's health, prioritizing the reduction of maternal mortality in the Americas.

Share lessons learned and best practices in the implementation of renewed and innovative plans, including examples from countries that have made progress on the commitments undertaken in the 2024 Call to Action.