Maternal, Newborn,
and Reproductive Health

Maternal, Newborn, and Reproductive Health

The Issue

Every year over 300,000 mothers die from complications around pregnancy and childbirth. Ninety-nine percent occur in low- and middle-income countries and unintended pregnancies, particularly among adolescents, significantly contribute to these deaths. For children, the first four weeks of life are the most vulnerable. Each year, an estimated 2.6 million infants are stillborn. Almost one million newborns do not live past their first day, while another million do not survive their first week. Simple and effective interventions are available to prevent unintended pregnancies, treat pregnancy and labor complications and save the lives of newborns, but many countries face critical gaps which prevent the interventions from being implemented.

CHAI's Approach

CHAI has developed an integrated maternal, newborn, and reproductive health strategy to dramatically reduce unintended pregnancies, maternal and neonatal deaths, and stillbirths. This approach begins with reaching adolescents and women to ensure they receive reproductive health education and have access to a range of effective and affordable contraceptive methods. We continue to support women through their reproductive years to ensure every woman can avoid unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections; space and limit births; have a healthy pregnancy and childbirth; and see her newborn thrive from birth to childhood.
This approach was first piloted in Ethiopia, before being tested at scale in Nigeria. The program is now rolling out across several other countries to significantly and sustainably reduce mother and infant deaths. We work with manufacturers to increase access to new and underused quality products that save lives by increasing affordability and consolidating demand. We also work with governments to improve national supply chains and service delivery systems to deliver these products to women and girls no matter where they are.

Results

37%
reduction in maternal mortality in 12 month period in Nigerian states of Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina due to targeted health interventions, along with 43 percent reduction in newborn deaths
215%
increase in average monthly use of contraceptive implants in two years across Cameroon, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania and Zambia
50%
reduction in price of contraceptive implants using a volume guarantee in 69 countries
50-90%
price reduction for and increase availability of Non-pneumatic Anti-Shock Garments, chlorhexidine, resuscitation devices, and other commodities used in childbirth

Spotlight

Join Our Team

CHAI is looking for dynamic and self-motivated individuals who are committed to strengthening health systems around the world and expanding access to care and treatment of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other illnesses.

View All CHAI Positions View Program Positions

Join Our Team

CHAI is looking for dynamic and self-motivated individuals who are committed to strengthening health systems around the world and expanding access to care and treatment of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other illnesses.

View All CHAI Positions View Program Positions
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