Making Pregnancy Safer (MPS)
Objectives/functions
The objectives of the programme are to increase Member State's awareness on maternal and newborn health issues for improving resource allocation to implement MPS programmes and to provide countries with evidence-based norms and standards for quality maternal and newborn care and services in order to contribute to Member States effort to reduce maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality.
The functions of the programme are:
- To establish national policy and standards for maternal and newborn health (MNH) including family planning.
- To adapt, disseminate and implement norms, standards and tools for MNH services.
- To improve access to effective MNH services including family planning through promoting partnership for MPS between key stakeholders at country and regional levels.
- To develop individual, family and community level practices that promote MNH.
- To improve systems for monitoring and evaluation of MNH and fertility regulation services.
- To keep safe motherhood high on the regional health development agenda.
- To mobilize adequate resources for optimal MNH programmes and services.
Adolescent pregnancy (MPS Key Messages
KEY MESSAGES OF MAKING PREGNANCY SAFER ARE:
- Every pregnancy should be wanted.
- All pregnant women and their infants should be able to access and receive skilled care.
- All women should be able to reach a functioning health facility to obtain appropriate care for themselves or their newborns when complications arise during pregnancy, delivery or the postpartum period.
- Safe pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood are basic human rights.