In an ambitious new partnership, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and MSD (Merck & Co. Inc.) are joining forces to combat preventable maternal mortality in Latin America. This vital initiative, aptly titled “Responding to Obstetric Emergencies and Unintended Pregnancies 2024-2027,” seeks to provide immediate care improvements for women in Honduras and Peru while indirectly benefitting more than half a million women of childbearing age across both nations.

Launched on September 19, 2024, from Washington D.C., this project comes in response to the alarming rise in maternal deaths exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite previous progress in reducing maternal mortality ratios (MMR), recent statistics reveal approximately 8,400 women lose their lives each year in Latin America and the Caribbean due to complications arising from pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Tragically, a significant majority of these deaths are preventable. In 2020, the region recorded 88 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, significantly higher than the 2030 target of just 30.

Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO, emphasized the urgent need for this initiative, stating, “Multiple factors influence maternal mortality, including socioeconomic, cultural, educational, and environmental aspects. I am confident that this project will contribute to improving maternal health care and outcomes for women and mothers in the Americas.”

With a generous $1 million grant from MSD’s MSD for Mothers initiative, the program will focus on two critical areas: first, addressing the delays in recognizing obstetric emergencies to ensure timely referrals and appropriate treatment; and second, minimizing unintended pregnancies along with their associated health risks. In total, the initiative aims to directly assist over 5,500 women in Honduras and 15,000 women in Peru while training nearly 500 health professionals to enhance equitable access to quality maternal health services.

Dr. Allison Goldberg, President of MSD Foundation, expressed her excitement for the partnership: “We’re honored to take part in this unprecedented collaboration with PAHO to strengthen health systems and address the critical health needs of women across Latin America. By expanding access to safe, high-quality care around pregnancy and childbirth, we empower women to secure healthy futures, creating a thriving environment for their families and communities for generations to come.”

As this groundbreaking initiative unfolds, it promises not just a brighter future for maternal healthcare services but also the health and well-being of countless families throughout Latin America. The dedication to empowering women and improving healthcare infrastructure marks a significant step forward in a region grappling with one of its most pressing public health challenges.

Stay tuned as we continue to follow this crucial development that could change the landscape of maternal health in the Americas forever.