Cross-Cutting Issues

Climate change significantly impacts maternal and newborn health by exacerbating environmental hazards and increasing the risk of health complications. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events, such as floods and heatwaves, can lead to direct health threats like dehydration, heat stress, and the spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. These environmental stresses can strain already fragile healthcare systems, making it harder for pregnant women and newborns to access essential care. Addressing the health impacts of climate change requires integrated strategies to strengthen health systems, improve environmental resilience, and ensure that vulnerable populations receive adequate support and care.

Gender inequality is a key social determinant of maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity. The low status of women across the globe creates barriers such as low health literacy, limited access to and control over resources, limited access to health services, lack of bodily autonomy decision-making power, gender-based violence (GBV), and socio-economic constraints, which can negatively impact their health and that of their newborns. Gender inequality within the predominantly female MNH health workforce due to various factors such as sexual harassment, discriminatory or gender-blind policies, discrimination and bias in the workplace, and rigid medical hierarchies also limits provision of quality services and client experience of care. Closing these gaps leads to more effective and inclusive healthcare systems, ultimately reducing maternal and newborn mortality rates and promoting overall health and well-being. 

Humanitarian, fragile, and conflict settings severely disrupt maternal and newborn health by undermining access to essential healthcare services, increasing the risk of complications, and exacerbating vulnerabilities. In these environments, healthcare infrastructure is often damaged or destroyed, and the availability of medical supplies and personnel is limited, leading to inadequate prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care. Displacement, violence, and instability further compound these challenges, making it difficult for pregnant women and newborns to receive timely and effective care. Currently, countries that have a UN Humanitarian Appeal account for 58% of global maternal deaths, 38% of newborn deaths, and 36% of stillbirths. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts to provide emergency medical aid, rebuild health systems, and ensure the safety and well-being of affected populations. 

Nutrition profoundly impacts maternal and newborn health outcomes. Adequate nutrition before and during pregnancy helps to ensure that women receive essential vitamins, minerals, and energy necessary for healthy fetal development and a safe delivery. Proper nutrition reduces the risk of complications such as anemia, preeclampsia, and low birth weight, and makes mothers and their newborns more resilient when illness strikes.  

Achieving high-quality nutrition for women and infants at scale will require multi-sectoral collaboration, including health, education, agriculture, and finance; community mobilization and behavior change; and a commitment to prioritizing the health and well-being of women. Given the tight link between good maternal nutrition and infant and child health outcomes, investments in good nutrition for women are high-yield, and can help to break generational cycles of poor health.   

Primary health care (PHC) provides comprehensive, accessible, and continuous care that addresses the full spectrum of health needs from prevention to treatment. For maternal and newborn health, PHC delivers essential services such as prenatal and postnatal care, immunizations, and education on healthy practices, which are crucial for preventing complications and ensuring healthy pregnancies and births. By prioritizing community-based care and integrating various health services at the local level, PHC ensures that mothers and newborns receive timely and appropriate care, ultimately improving outcomes and reducing mortality rates. This approach also strengthens health systems, making them more resilient and responsive to the needs of families. 

The health workforce, particularly nursing and midwifery, plays a critical role in shaping maternal and newborn health outcomes by providing essential, skilled care throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Skilled professionals can effectively manage complications, offer education on health practices, and provide emotional support, all of which contribute to better health outcomes. Conversely, shortages or inadequate training of these vital healthcare providers can lead to gaps in care, increased risk of complications, and higher mortality rates. Investing in and strengthening the nursing and midwifery workforce is crucial for improving maternal and newborn health and ensuring comprehensive, accessible, and effective care.