The initiative spotlights work to reduce maternal mortality in countries with the highest rates in the Region.

Washington D.C. 30 September 2010 (PAHO/WHO) − The photo exhibit Best practices can save women´s lives launched today to shine a light on good practices to reduce maternal mortality from the Pan American Health Organization’s (PAHO) 10 priority countries for this topic: Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru and Suriname.

The exhibition, which highlights proven and evidence-based practices, is being shown at the PAHO Headquarters in Washington D.C. during the organization’s 57th Directing Council, which brings together ministers and high-level health authorities from across the Americas.

Photo exhibit Best Practices Maternal Health

“Our Region has succeeded in reducing maternal mortality by more than 30% between 2000 and 2015. This is a great achievement - but we know it is not enough, as maternal deaths are too often the result of inequality,” PAHO Director, Carissa F. Etienne. “In fact, 90 percent of all maternal deaths can be prevented with appropriate practices,” she added.

In 2018, PAHO designated a maternal health advisor to each of these 10 priority countries, with the goal of accelerating the reduction of maternal mortality.

These 10 countries have strengthened actions to ensure timely and adequate care during obstetric complications. This has been made possible thanks to multiple interventions which, based on the available evidence, are considered best practices to save pregnant women´s lives.

This exhibit falls under the framework of the Integrated Plan of Action for Women´s, Children´s, and Adolescents´ Health 2018-2030.

Link to the exhibit