The Health Policy Project ended in 2016. Work continued under Health Policy Plus (HP+) until 2022.
PUBLICATION
Author(s): Tewodros Bekele, Annmarie Leadman, Carol Miller, Nicole Perales, Andrew Zapfel
Primary Language: English
Date: 5/7/2015
Abstract:
There have been remarkable improvements in the maternal health over the last 25 years but disparities remain. In June 2014, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) documented its vision for maternal health in Ending Preventable Maternal Mortality: USAID Maternal Health Vision for Action, which lays out key strategic drivers that impact progress. Improving the health policy process has never been more important than in today’s increasingly complex, resource-constrained environment. Advocacy and accountability for the adoption of high-impact maternal health policies and interventions must be at the center of health systems and health service delivery improvements. Overcoming inequitable access to health services demands advocacy and social participation from local communities, as well as the meaningful engagement of global and national groups, including the private sector, who influence health policy decisions. This brief outlines how USAID investments in health policy, governance, finance, and advocacy contribute to ending preventable maternal mortality.