BLOG: Advancing Women, Societies, and Economies Through Maternal Health: A Vital Investment for International Women’s Day 

By CEO, Anna Frellsen

On International Women’s Day, March 8, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women worldwide. Yet today is also a moment to reflect on an issue that is not only essential to women’s well-being but also fundamental to the prosperity of families, communities, and economies worldwide: maternal health. 

Beyond ensuring healthier pregnancies, safer births, and a strong foundation for motherhood, investing in maternal health is a cornerstone for building thriving societies and driving economic growth.  

Despite knowing that investing in maternal health has far-reaching benefits, the world still faces considerable challenges. Every day, nearly 800 women lose their lives to largely preventable pregnancy- and birth-related complications, many in fragile and remote settings where access to quality maternal care remains limited. For every maternal death, 20 to 30 women suffer complications that can have lasting effects on their health, livelihoods, and quality of life. 

The Ripple Effect of Maternal Health 

The effects of maternal mortality and morbidity extend far beyond the individual, profoundly impacting families and societies. When a mother dies from complications due to pregnancy or birth, her absence impacts her children’s education, her household’s financial security, and the overall well-being of those who depend on her. Even when a woman survives, she may face lasting health challenges that limit her ability to work, care for her family, and contribute fully to society. 

The good news is that investing in maternal health can break this cycle and drive transformative change. At Maternity Foundation, we have demonstrated how innovative training programmes, and our Safe Delivery App can equip and support midwives in remote and fragile settings worldwide, enabling them to deliver quality care in a highly cost-effective way. By improving the quality of maternal healthcare, we can not only help end preventable maternal deaths and reduce harm but also create a ripple effect of positive change—ensuring healthier women, stronger families and communities, and thriving economies  

The Economic Case for Maternal Health Investment 

The economic argument for investing in maternal health is compelling, and backed by extensive research: 

• The Lancet Commission on Investing in Health estimates that investments in maternal and child health could generate up to $3.8 trillion in global economic benefits by 2035, fuelled by improved health and productivity. 

• The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that every dollar invested in maternal and child health can generate a return of $7 in economic benefits, driven by reduced healthcare costs, increased productivity and healthier future generations. 

• UN Women highlights that improved maternal health often translates into greater educational opportunities for girls, with each additional year of education increasing women’s earning potential by 20%. 

• Research by the World Economic Forum and McKinsey Health Institute (MHI) finds that investing in the prevention of maternal hypertensive disorders and postpartum haemorrhage—two of the leading causes of pregnancy complications and maternal mortality—could add an estimated $1.6 billion annually to global GDP. 

• The Copenhagen Consensus Center estimates that maternal deaths result in a welfare loss of $36 billion per year—a stark reminder of the economic and human cost of inaction. 

Clearly, the case for investing in maternal health is not just a moral imperative—it’s an economic necessity. 

What Needs to Change 

To create a healthier, more prosperous world, maternal health must be a global priority. This requires: 

• Increased investments in maternal health and cross-sector partnerships to enhance access and advocate for higher-quality maternity care. 

•  Addressing the urgent shortage of nearly one million midwives worldwide to ensure quality care for every mother. 

•  Empowering the current generation of midwives with the skills, support, and knowledge needed to deliver high-quality care today. 

By investing in midwives and equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to offer quality maternal and newborn care, we can significantly improve outcomes for mothers and their babies, ultimately saving lives, preventing long-term health complications, fostering more resilient communities and growing economies. 

On this International Women’s Day, let’s commit to advance women, societies, and economies through maternal health. When we invest in the health and well-being of mothers, we invest in the future of our world. It’s not just the right thing to do—it’s also the smart thing to do!