ICMA/Ipas panel at the Global Maternal Health Conference 2010

Daniela Draghici

ICMA / Ipas panel “Addressing maternal mortality by increasing access to medical abortion: strategies and lessons” at the Global Maternal Health Conference 2010

30.08.2010 NEW DELHI, from August 30 to September 1, more than 600 maternal health experts gathered in Delhi, India, for the Global Maternal Health Conference 2010, the first international technical conference devoted exclusively to maternal health. Hosted by the Maternal Health Task Force at EngenderHealth and the Public Health Foundation of India, the conference is aimed at increasing consensus and coordination around the evidence, programs, and advocacy needed to advance maternal health.According to latest estimates, more than 342,000 women worldwide die due to preventable pregnancy or childbirth complications every year.

The conference has brought together health professionals, advocates, researchers, donors, policymakers, and other relevant stakeholders to coordinate efforts and leverage the collective resources so that preventable maternal deaths can be eradicated during our lifetimes. It is the perfect venue to continue to accelerate the momentum toward achieving the UN Millennium Development Goal No. 5 (improve maternal health).

Over the course of three days, the conference is focusing on six major themes, which are presented through plenary sessions, presentations, and posters, including:

Existing, affordable interventions, specifically innovative technologies that are saving women's lives
Underlying factors affecting maternal health, including nutrition, violence, gender equity
Broader health system solutions, including task sharing and emergency referrals
The role of policy and advocacy in advancing maternal health
Leveraging the power of digital technology and new media to help women obtain emergency obstetric care and to collect vital health data

Conference program