Reducing maternal mortality in Latin America and the Caribbean

Earlier this month FIGO participated in the launch of the Zero Maternal Deaths: Prevent the preventable campaign, a call to action led by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to accelerate maternal mortality reduction in Latin American and the Caribbean.

Dr Edgar Iván Ortiz Lizcano, as a representative of la Federación Latinoamericana de Sociedades de Obstetricia y Ginecologia (FLASOG) and Regional Trustee for Latin America, signed a joint declaration to demonstrate our commitment to support efforts towards preventing maternal deaths in the region.

Around 8,400 women die each year in Latin America and the Caribbean from complications in pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. High blood pressure, severe bleeding and unsafe abortion practices are the most common causes. However, nine out of ten of these deaths are preventable through access to quality care and contraception.

Maternal mortality is a serious public health problem rooted in social inequities. It has enormous health and economic implications for families and communities. We must urgently act together to eradicate preventable maternal deaths once and for all.

Dr Edgar Iván Ortiz Lizcano, FIGO Regional Trustee for Latin America

FIGO will continue to join forces with active partners in all regions to reduce maternal deaths globally through education, research implementation, advocacy and capacity-building.

Find out more about the Zero Maternal Deaths: Prevent the preventable campaign and FIGO’s commitments to women’s health and rights.