Eastern Africa Agency, Social & Gender Norms Learning Collaborative’s Post

The United States is the only industrialized nation in the world where maternal deaths are rising—despite spending more money per capita on maternal health—and the racial disparities for families are widening. ▪ Black, American Indian, and Alaskan Native women’s risk of dying is two to three times the rate of their white counterparts. ▪ Maternal mortality rates for Hispanic and Latina mothers dramatically increased during the pandemic. ▪ Data suggests that almost half of US counties have no or low access to maternity care, affecting up to 6.9 million women and almost 500,000 births across the U.S. We focus on maternal health and birth equity, because every birthing person deserves a system they can trust. https://lnkd.in/e5RBEmWr #ourwhy #maternalmortality #racialdisparities #systemschange

New article published: Access to maternal health services for Indigenous women in low- and middle-income countries: an updated integrative review of the literature from 2018 to 2023 https://lnkd.in/eakZ88Xj

We may need to reevaluate how we are handling #pregnancyleave in the U.S. Lifestyle and Wellness Reporter Sara Moniuszko of CBS News says approximately 22 women died from #childbirth-related #causes for every 100,000 live births in the United States in 2022, according to the The Commonwealth Fund, a private research foundation, making the U.S. the country with the #highestrate of #maternaldeaths of any high-income nation analyzed. In comparison, the three countries with the #lowestrates are Sweden, with nearly three deaths for every 100,000 births, Switzerland, with one, and Norway, with zero. Within the U.S., the rate is #lowest for #Asian Americans and #highest for #Black women. For Black women in the country, the rate jumps to nearly 50 deaths for every 100,000 births. "Compared to women in the other countries we studied, U.S. women are the least likely to have supports such as #homevisits and #guaranteedpaidleave during this critical time," the report states. "All countries included in this study, apart from the U.S., mandate at least #14weeks of #paidleave from work. Several countries provide more than a year of parental or home care leave," the report states. "Our findings suggest that an undersupply of maternity providers, especially #midwives, and lack of #access to #comprehensivepostpartumsupport, including #maternitycarecoverage and #mandatedpaidmaternityleave, are contributing factors (to maternal mortality)," the report adds. "Because both these factors disproportionately affect #womenofcolor, centering equity in any future policy changes will be a key to addressing the crisis."

Fresh from the oven, this article blew my mind with the current data in the #UK for #womenshealth at The Lancet A must-read even if you are just a curious one. I saw some shocking data on women's health in the UK, and as a pelvic health physiotherapist and a patient of this system, I am deeply concerned. The UK has the largest gender health gap of the #G20 nations, and women's health has been declining at a faster rate than men's. #maternitycare experiences have worsened, gynaecology waiting lists have surged, and black women face 4x more risk of dying in childbirth compared with white women. Despite the Women's Health Strategy launch, inadequate funding and a lack of focus on non-reproductive health issues leave much to be desired where #noncommunicablediseases are totally out of the scope. We need urgent, comprehensive action to address these disparities and prioritize women's health across the board. The upcoming government must fully commit to funding and implementing the #WomensHealthStrategy and tackling the #socialdeterminants that perpetuate #genderhealthinequalities. #WomensHealth #GenderHealthGap #PelvicHealth #HealthcareInequality #NHS

How Does Ethnicity Affect Maternal Health? ⚕️ Maternal health is a critical issue that affects women and families worldwide. However, disparities exist, and ethnicity plays a significant role. Here are some key points to consider: 🩺 Disparities in Access: Women from certain ethnic backgrounds often face barriers in accessing quality prenatal and maternal care, leading to higher risks during pregnancy and childbirth. 📊 Higher Rates of Complications: Studies show that Black, Indigenous, and Hispanic women are more likely to experience complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and postpartum hemorrhage. 🤰 Cultural Sensitivity: Culturally tailored healthcare practices can significantly improve maternal outcomes. Understanding and respecting cultural differences in healthcare preferences and practices is crucial. 🗣️ Community Support: Strengthening community support networks and providing culturally competent education can empower women from diverse backgrounds, leading to better health outcomes. 🤝 Advocacy and Policy Change: Advocating for policies that address systemic inequities and promote equitable healthcare access is essential for improving maternal health across all ethnicities. 🔁 f you found this information helpful, please share it with your network! Repost to spread awareness and help others learn more about maternal health. Your support makes a difference! #MaternalHealth #HealthEquity #PublicHealth #DiversityInHealthcare #EthnicityAndHealth

Maternal health remains a major public health problem in India, with inequities in maternal health service use and maternal deaths. Economic status, caste/ethnicity, education, gender, religion, and culture are always the most important structural factors of maternal health and mortality. Inspiring initiative which has saved the lives of hundreds of women by busting pregnancy-related misinformation through WhatsApp and her fieldwork. https://lnkd.in/dQUY4Eu7

Again we see that investing in women is not about preferential treatment but about achieving economic stability and growth through healthy communities. Among the findings of a new McKinsey & Company & World Economic Forum report: ► Closing the gender health gap could add at least $1 trillion a year to the global economy by 2040. ► Every $1 invested to improve women’s health could generate $3 for the economy as quality of life improves and women are able to actively participate in the workforce. ► Women’s health is often simplified to include only sexual and reproductive health, which under-represents the total health burden. 

Economic Growth and Stability Healthy mothers contribute to a more productive workforce. Investing in maternal health boosts economic stability and growth in low-income countries. 💼🌱 #EconomicGrowth #MaternalHealth #GlobalDevelopment #LiveBeyond

The disparity in maternal health outcomes is alarming. In Minnesota, Black women make up 13% of the birthing population but account for 27% of pregnancy-associated deaths. It's crucial to address and eliminate these inequities in our healthcare system. #birthjustice #birthjusticeadvocacy #pernatal #maternity #culturalcare #maternalcare #healthequity #BirthJusticeCollaborative

Strengthening maternal health is crucial for improving the lives of all mothers and babies. Research and data show that there are racial and ethnic disparities in death rates. Non-Hispanic Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, Black, and American Indian/Alaska Native women are at least two to four times as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes as non-Hispanic white women. Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition is committed to ensuring that every mother, every family and every baby has access to receiving the care and support they need. #blackmaternalhealthweek