From Summit to Strategy: Advancing a National Response to Prevent Maternal Mortality in Canada: Proceedings from the...

To summarize the proceedings, outcomes, and consensus-based calls to action from the 2024 National Summit on the Prevention of Maternal Mortality in Canada, hosted by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, with a focus on implementation of maternal mortality prevention strategies following the 2023 Summit.

The 2024 summit convened over 150 participants (50 in-person and 107 online) across clinical, policy, academic, and community sectors. Through plenary sessions, workshops, and interactive discussions, the Summit built on the foundation of the 2023 inaugural event, advancing concrete strategies for maternal mortality review infrastructure, data surveillance, family engagement, and use of technology in surveillance and care.

Participants emphasized the urgent need for a national coordinated strategy and developed 6 national calls to action centered on data quality, infrastructure, professional education, technology, advocacy, and family engagement. Key updates included strengthened provincial review processes, national coordination mechanisms, expanded training, improved integration of mental health and equity considerations, and use of digital surveillance tools. Persistent challenges include fragmented surveillance, insufficient legislation, and lack of national coordination.

Canada has entered a critical phase of implementation to reduce preventable maternal deaths. The 2024 Summit represents a transition from commitment to action, with a growing national network, active review structures, and shared standards under development. Sustained investment, legislation, and equity-centred governance are needed to build a lasting, learning-focused maternal mortality prevention system.