New report highlights innovative solutions to strengthen access to quality life-saving maternal and newborn health products

Despite global commitments to maternal and newborn health, many low- and middle-income countries continue to face persistent gaps in access to quality, life-saving diagnostics, medicines, devices and supplies needed to prevent or treat conditions such as severe bleeding at birth, pre-eclampsia or pre-term birth.

A new report examines the structural and operational barriers that have historically limited maternal and newborn health product security, including fragmented supply chains and inconsistent prioritization of health products. Unlike HIV and immunization programs, which have benefited from coordinated global advocacy, dedicated financing and strong supply chain investments, maternal and newborn products have often been embedded in broader, under-resourced health programs.

Drawing on peer-reviewed literature, policy documents and expert consultations, the report synthesizes evidence across seven critical supply chain functions – from forecasting and procurement through last-mile delivery and provider use – and highlights innovative solutions being implemented by countries to improve availability, affordability and access.

The findings underscore the need for a whole-of-ecosystem approach to ensure high-quality, affordable health products for mothers and babies.