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Click here to go back to the Main Featured Issues page From Mother's Day in the U.S. to International Day of the Family, to the Congressional Child Survival Prayer Breakfast, May is about Moms. Saving Mother’s Giving Life, launched by Secretary Clinton in 2012 as part of the President’s Global Health Initiative, set a high bar. The aim—to reduce maternal deaths by 50% in areas with alarming rates of maternal mortality—is an initiative built on relationships, platforms, partners and expertise. USG-led efforts --PEPFAR, USAID Centers for Disease Control--joined other public-private partnerships: Merck for Mothers, Every Mother Counts, and the American College of OB-GYNs, the Government of Norway and Project Cure to bring together innovative and proven strategies to prevent maternal deaths. Faith-based organizations have long battled the dangers of giving birth. In Ghana, for example, women have little control over their pregnancies and child-rearing. So Catholic Relief Services (CRS) took on the sensitive challenge of overcoming harmful cultural practices that contribute to maternal and child deaths. During a 4-year, USAID-funded effort, CRS looked to the community for help, training volunteers who could persuade husbands and mothers-in-law to include expectant mothers in decisions about healthier birthing practices. CRS also engaged local leaders--village chiefs, religious leaders, elders and queen mothers--who can help change dangerous cultural practices. The results are impressive!
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Photo: Haik Kocharian www.haikkocharian.com
FIA WISHES ALL MOMS LIFELONG HEALTH SO THEY AND THEIR FAMILIES CAN FLOURISH.
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