Committee on Health Systems Strengthening and Respectful Care
The mandate of the Committee on Health Systems Strengthening and Respectful Care is to examine health systems strengthening and respectful care at childbirth, identify areas of concern and propose interventions for implementation by FIGO and its member societies. The committee focuses on the health care workforce and on service delivery, emphasises the importance of universal health coverage (UHC) and respectful maternity care, and aims to continue the work of the International Childbirth Initiative.
The burden of maternal mortality, morbidity and perinatal deaths remains high in the majority of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), despite the work set out by the Sustainable Development Goals. High on the global agenda are countries' commitments to work towards the provision of UHC as a minimum to ensure equitable access to health care. This applies to maternal and newborn health care – from pregnancy and childbirth to the postpartum period.
Committee Members
Chair
Dr Jezid Miranda - Colombia
Vice Chair
Dr Rowshan Ara Begum - Bangladesh
Members
Dr Pius Okong - Past- Chair - Uganda
Dr Margit Steinholt - Norway
Professor Mindaugas Kliučinskas - Lituania
Professor Kentaro Kurasawa - Japan
Dr Christostim Wekesa Barasa - Kenya
Dr María Antonia Basavilvazo Rodríguez - Mexico
WATOG representative
Dr Hasmik Bareghamyam - Armenia
Associate Members
Dr Garang Ajak - South Sudan
Dr Birgitta Essén - Sweden
Dr Suellen Miller - USA
Ms Debra Pascali-Bonaro - USA
Dr Sebajuri Jean Marie Vianney - Rwanda
Ms Francesca Palestra - Switzerland
Ex-Officio Trustee
Dr Edgar Iván Ortiz Lizcano - Colombia
