June 9, 2010

Martha N. MurdockDirector, Latin America and the Caribbean Program

Family Care International

LAC Context Average maternal health indicators hide broad

disparities between and within countries

Region with the highest proportion

of maternal deaths due to abortion

Adolescent pregnancy rates higher

than world averages

Challenges in LAC Region Dwindling international resources in LAC

Reduction in national health budgets, defunding of maternal and SR health

MM considered a health sector issue

Emerging conservative trends and legislative restrictions to legislation in LAC region

LAC Regional Task Force on Maternal Mortality Reduction Promote regional inter-agency collaboration to

implement MMR programs and policies Strengthen inter-agency collaboration

Mobilize high-level commitments

Build knowledge on effective strategies

Membership

Founding members (1998) PAHO, UNFPA, UNICEF, IADB, World Bank, USAID, Population Council, Family Care International

Expanded Membership (2009) Founding members + ECLAC, ICM, FLASOG, UNESCO, UNIFEM, UNOPS, FIGO + associated agencies

Enabling Factors for National and Regional Advocacy on MM (Shiffman): Cohesive networks

Credible health indicators

High-level events that highlight maternal mortality and promote commitment to addressing it

Regional Task Force Strategies Develop regional knowledge-sharing platform

Focus on prioritized interventions (Regional Strategic Consensus Document)

Strengthen information systems

Build new strategic alliances

High-level advocacy

Regional Conference of Women Leaders on MDG 5

Hosted by Regional Task Force on MMR

May 27-28, Lima, Peru

70 high-level leaders from 13 countries

Sectors: Media, Indigenous networks, Private, Justice, Parliament, Women’s movement, Youth, Technical, Academia

Interactive and inter-sectoral exchanges

Regional Conference: OutcomesDeclaration and Commitment:

www.conferenciademujereslideres.com

Follow up advocacy through: Country-level replication (ECU, PAR, BOL) Regional network of media professionals Parliamentary network on MMR Positioning of MMR and gender in political

agenda of Continental Network of Indigenous Women

Next Steps

Develop and share new messaging strategies Create new venues to position issue Build media network to share success stories and build commitment Develop tools and venues for young people to address

pregnancy prevention Promote social monitoring of commitments

Criteria for Successful Partnership Concise mandate

Members recognize value added of alliance Roles and responsibilities defined Realistic workplan and monitoring system

Commitment by key partners to move work plan forward

Resource mobilization capacity

Country level linkages

www.conferenciademujereslideres.com

іGracias!