Every woman and newborn deserve EQUAL access to quality health care, regardless of where they live.
The Problem
A woman living in Sub-Saharan Africa is 50x more likely to die during pregnancy and childbirth and her baby is 10x more likely to die in their first month of life, compared to those living in high-income countries. Those most at risk live in countries affected by humanitarian crises, which account for almost 40% of all newborn deaths and more than 50% of all maternal deaths worldwide. In conflict-affected countries in particular, pregnant women and newborns are dying at alarming rates.
The global community has failed to prioritize these lives with the funding or research needed to break down the barriers that prevent so many from accessing life-saving health care. Action, investment and research is urgently needed to ensure all women and babies have equal access to quality care, regardless of where they live.
Our Goal
Reduce maternal and newborn deaths in countries affected by conflict.
How we’ll do it
EQUAL is a multi-country research consortium generating evidence on effective approaches to deliver life-saving maternal and newborn health care in countries affected by conflict. We are a group of research partners united in our shared commitment to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths by ensuring quality health services are accessible to every woman and newborn, regardless of where they live. Our work focuses on the DRC, Nigeria, Somalia, and South Sudan – countries with the highest burden of maternal and neonatal deaths worldwide.
“Now more than ever, it is critical that we invest in both maternal and newborn health research and programs in conflict-affected countries to better understand and effectively address the causes contributing to such high rates of mortality”
—Dr. Naoko Kozuki
Co-Research Director for EQUAL
