The past two decades have seen significant progress in the state of maternal health around the globe. Between 2000 and 2017, the maternal mortality rate was reduced by 38% worldwide. Despite this, there remains much room for improvement—there were 295,000 maternal deaths in 2017, complications during pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of death for 15–19-year-old girls globally, and barriers to access (such as poverty, distance to healthcare facilities, and inadequate services) persist.

The nonprofit community continues to play a vital role in taking on this challenge. In February, GlobalGiving’s nonprofit partners in the Peer Learning Network met to discuss maternal health in their communities and how non-health focused organizations could support maternal health through their existing programs. Here’s what they had to say:

1. Community health is closely tied to maternal health.

2. Traditional midwives are critical lines of access to healthcare for women in many communities.

3. Mental healthcare is a key part of the solution to improving maternal health.

4. Maternity groups can serve as a powerful source of connection and support for new mothers and mothers-to-be.

5. Boys and men cannot be left out of the conversation on maternal health.

6. Education remains vital to improving maternal health.

GlobalGiving partners: Log in to your account to listen to the full discussion in the Innovations in Maternal Health webinar.

Featured Photo: Solar-Powered Well for a Health Clinic in Niger by Wells Bring Hope