A new agreement between the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and MSD for Mothers aims to reduce preventable maternal deaths in Guatemala and the Dominican Republic. The initiative, which will span two years, seeks to enhance adolescent health and improve maternal health services in these nations.
The partnership focuses on high-need and underserved areas, where women and adolescents frequently encounter barriers to accessing quality maternal health care. Despite progress in recent years, the adolescent birth rate in Latin America and the Caribbean remains one of the highest globally, with approximately 1.6 million adolescents aged 15-19 and about 40,000 girls under 15 becoming mothers annually in the region.
Objectives and Expected Outcomes
Guatemala and the Dominican Republic were chosen for this initiative following consultations with national authorities, as both countries continue to struggle with high maternal mortality and adolescent pregnancy rates. Their maternal mortality ratios exceed the regional average, prompting the need for continued efforts to improve health services.
Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO’s Director, emphasized that most maternal deaths are preventable and highlighted the importance of ensuring access to essential information and health services for women and adolescents. He stated, “This partnership will strengthen health services while supporting adolescents and young women to make informed decisions about their health and future.”
Dr. Kalahn Taylor-Clark, VP and Head of Social Impact & Sustainability at MSD, echoed the sentiment by stating, “No woman should die while giving life, yet too many still face barriers to the care they need.”
The initiative will enhance postpartum family planning services and train health workers to provide adolescent-responsive care, while also involving young people in the design and improvement of services. Health professionals will receive additional training to deliver integrated antenatal care, specifically targeting infections that can be transmitted from mother to child, such as HIV and syphilis. This comprehensive approach aligns with regional efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of infectious diseases.
PAHO’s collaboration with Guatemala and the Dominican Republic has already led to the development of national plans to reduce maternal mortality and bolster adolescent health. The new agreement plans to support Ministries of Health, health facilities, and youth networks to integrate effective health strategies into existing services.
With national estimates indicating about 105,000 adolescent births in Guatemala and 12,000 in the Dominican Republic each year, the project anticipates reaching approximately 10,000-15,000 adolescents and young people directly during its implementation.
Why It Matters: Addressing maternal mortality and adolescent pregnancy is crucial for improving overall health outcomes in Guatemala and the Dominican Republic. By focusing on underserved populations and enhancing access to healthcare, this initiative aims to create a sustainable impact on maternal and adolescent health in the region.
