A framework for healthcare interventions to address maternal morbidity

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Women's Health
• Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD)

Background:

• Maternal health is evolving from a focus on mortality to promoting overall women's wellness.
• There's a growing concern regarding maternal morbidity and the rising prevalence of chronic and noncommunicable diseases (NCD) in pregnant populations.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) established the Maternal Morbidity Working Group (MMWG) to enhance the scientific foundation for defining, measuring, and monitoring maternal morbidity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose new conceptual frameworks for maternal health and interventions based on MMWG findings.
• To advocate for increased integration between maternal health services and noncommunicable disease (NCD) programs.
• To highlight pregnancy as a critical "window of opportunity" for addressing women's current and future health, including chronic conditions.

Main Methods:

• The study is based on the work and findings of the WHO Maternal Morbidity Working Group (MMWG).
• Conceptualization of new paradigms for maternal health and intervention strategies.
• Analysis of the synergistic potential between maternal health and NCD programs.

Main Results:

• Integration of maternal health and NCD programs can be mutually beneficial.
• Pregnancy provides crucial access points for women to receive care for chronic conditions they might otherwise miss.
• A broader maternal health approach, including preventive and early interventions, is needed beyond emergency obstetric care.

Conclusions:

• Maternal health services must expand beyond survival to encompass thriving, integrating preventive care and existing health services.
• Health systems require strengthened infrastructure, including prioritized funding and workforce development, to support integrated programs.
• The MMWG's work underscores the need for a paradigm shift in maternal health to address the evolving landscape of women's health and chronic conditions.