New Report Highlights Insights from the Strengthening Systems for Safer Childbirth Initiative

March 19, 2026 – Merck, known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, today released a new report examining the impact of Strengthening Systems for Safer Childbirth, a community-led initiative working to expand access to high-quality, respectful maternal health care in India, Kenya, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Supported by Merck for Mothers, the company’s global initiative to help create a world where no woman has to die while giving life, the program demonstrates how locally-driven partnerships can make measurable progress in reducing preventable maternal deaths.

Launched in 2022, Strengthening Systems for Safer Childbirth’s efforts are focused in countries where women remain at high risk of dying from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. Nigeria accounts for more maternal deaths annually than any other country in the world, representing approximately 28% of global maternal deaths. India, Kenya and Sierra Leone are also among the countries with the highest maternal mortality ratios globally.

As detailed in the report, Strengthening Systems for Safer Childbirth established six local coalitions throughout these countries, each bringing together trusted nonprofit organizations, health care entrepreneurs, technology companies and advocacy groups to design innovations in maternal health by addressing common challenges facing health systems. Each coalition co-created and implemented solutions tailored to the specific needs of its community, focusing on sustained improvements in the quality, accessibility and respectfulness of maternal health care. Approaches included advancing digital health solutions to improve care coordination and data use, reducing delays in care and increasing access to and affordability of both essential and emergency medical services for women and families.

Over the last three years, these six coalitions have expanded access to quality maternal health services for more than 2.7 million people, trained nearly 8,000 health care providers and strengthened 475 health facilities. These efforts have contributed to increases in prenatal care visits, stronger and more coordinated referral systems and declines in maternal mortality.

“The successes and learnings detailed in this report underscore the value of community-led approaches to strengthening health systems and advancing maternal health,” said Jacquelyn Caglia, Head of Merck for Mothers. “By investing in local leadership and cross-sector collaboration, Strengthening Systems for Safer Childbirth provides a scalable and sustainable model for improving outcomes for women and families in high-burden settings.”

To learn more about the work of Strengthening Systems for Safer Childbirth, the full report is available here.