Today maternal health experts gathered in Washington, DC to discuss the new results from the preliminary work of Saving Mothers Giving Life, a public private partnership aimed at reducing maternal mortality in Zambia and Uganda. Utilizing the strengths of each partner program results showed that maternal mortality decreased by 30% in the districts where Saving Mothers Giving Life was implemented. In Zambia, there was a 35% reduction in maternal mortality. The reductions were significant and have shown the global health community that with key interventions improvements can be realized and effective programs can be scaled. More results can be found in the annual report.
During this morning’s meeting USAID Dr. Raj Shah gave opening remarks followed by representatives from the Ministries of Health from both Uganda and Zambia. Here are some key tweets from the proceedings.
It is unacceptable & heartbreaking that mothers and children continue to die each year from causes we know how to prevent - @rajshah #smgl
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(@Jhpiego) January 09, 2014Uganda has seen a 30% reduction in maternal mortality - Zambia 35% - where #SMGL works. #CSISlive
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Nicole Schiegg (@NicSchiegg) January 09, 2014Maternal & child mortality are not only a stain on our conscience, but an anchor on our global prosperity - @USAID @RajShah #SMGL #CSISlive
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USAID Global Health (@USAIDGH) January 09, 2014"As it has been succeeding, it can now scale" - @rajshah on #SMGL @CSIS
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Smart Global Health (@SmartGlblHealth) January 09, 2014The power of coming together across communities brings together shared commitment that can be scaled. #SMGL #publicprivatepartnerships
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Social Good Moms (@socialgoodmoms) January 09, 2014Infographic: Making Pregnancy & Childbirth Safer in Uganda & Zambia bit.ly/1gkK820 #SMGL #CSISLive http://t.co/LomDulNBw5
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ONE (@ONECampaign) January 09, 201475% of women who delivered in facilities were provided transport by motorcyle or ambulances. #SMGL #Uganda
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Social Good Moms (@socialgoodmoms) January 09, 2014The total expenditure for #SMGL In #Uganda was $6.93 per birth. - Dr. Aceng, Uganda MOH. #MDG5 #CSISLive
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USAID Global Health (@USAIDGH) January 09, 2014Dr. Chibawe MCH #Zambia Ministry of Community Dev. #SMGL #CSISLive: the in Zambia is even though 91% ANC, most women start late
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(@MHTF) January 09, 2014You cannot improve #maternalhealth without a cost, investment is vital to bring deserved health services to mothers across the world. #SMGL
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(@Jhpiego) January 09, 2014Zambian success w #SMGL! Smart idea was Charging husbands 2 chickens if their wives deliver at home = huge gains in facility delivery!
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Crickett Nicovich (@Crickovich) January 09, 2014Our SMGL results are now live. Incredible reduction of 30% in maternal mortality achieved in just one year! #SMGL #CSISLive @Merck @MHTF
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Dr Priya Agrawal (@priya__agrawal) January 09, 2014PATH newborn advocacy expert E. Kingshott is live at #CSISlive's Saving Mothers, Giving Life #SMGL event. Stay tuned for some striking stats
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PATH Advocacy (@PATHadvocacy) January 09, 2014
Social Good Moms 
As a country, we are grateful to the US government for the funding given that has made it possible to realise skilled birth attendance in the project catchment districts of the Rwenzori region. It has also been noted that a holistic aspect approach has ensured the bringing on board of all pertinent stakeholders in this struggle that has seen mothers and their new born babies with a smile on their faces. Above all, community engagement,human resource support, operationalisation of CEMOC sites, the maternal and neonatal transport system and the role of leadership have given this project momentum.
Very many thanks to the American People and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for all the work well done.
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