Women, Newborn, & Child Health

Improving the health of women, infants, and children by expanding access to respectful quality care before, during, and after pregnancy and childbirth

Our Approach

Every seven seconds, a woman or infant dies during pregnancy, childbirth, or the first weeks after birth. That’s why we work every day to ensure quality care, build the skills of health workers, and expand community engagement in the places where mothers and infants need it most.

Around the world, Project HOPE:

Trains health workers in respectful reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH)
Builds neonatal education to cultivate the next generation of neonatal nurses
Integrates HIV/AIDS and maternal health services to reduce mortality
Strengthens prenatal care through peer support, self-care, and awareness teaching
Innovates with new technology for pregnancy apps to reach the most remote women
Equips health facilities with essential equipment like incubators and ventilators

Every 2 minutes

a woman dies from complications related to pregnancy & childbirth

Women in under-resourced or conflict-affected areas face an increased likelihood of death during pregnancy and after childbirth.

2.5 million

babies die during their first month of life

The vast majority of newborn deaths are due to preventable causes like premature birth, labor complications, and infections.

80%

of pregnant women in low-resource settings experience gender-based violence (GBV)

This sort of violence has a negative impact on women and babies’ health, yet gaps remain in both preventing and treating GBV.

The Context

In far too many contexts around the world, quality women’s and children’s health care, including respectful maternity care, is inaccessible or unaffordable, particularly due to a lack of skilled health workers.

Nearly three-fourths of all maternal deaths are from preventable or treatable causes including severe bleeding, infections, and hypertensive disorders like pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. These risks are particularly dangerous for girls aged 15-19, and for those over 40. Adolescents account for more than 10% of births worldwide and require age-appropriate health services to meet their unique needs.

Most neonatal deaths occur in the first week of life. The vast majority (80%) of newborn deaths are due to preventable causes like premature birth, labor complications, and infections.