Reproductive and Maternal Health

 

Maternal mortality rates (MMRs) in the region remained almost unchanged at an average of 190 per 100 thousand per births from 1990 to 2000. Importantly, MMRs are highly correlated to total fertility rates (TFRs), which explain high differentials in MMRs in the region, varying from 27 in countries like Uruguay to 680 in Haiti. Improvements in antenatal care, skilled attendance at birth and obstetric emergency care are critical. Also important is the access to information and services of reproductive health.

The IDB is part of the Regional Inter-Agency Taskforce for the Reduction of Maternal Mortality together with other international organizations such as PAHO, UNFPA, UNICEFF, the World Bank, Family Care International, the Population Council and USAID.