The World Health Organization estimates that worldwide, 800 women die each day from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Ninety-nine percent of all maternal deaths occur in developing countries, and mortality rates are higher among rural areas, poorer communities, and humanitarian settings.

Like women anywhere, women in humanitarian settings, and their babies, need comprehensive health care during pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period. Critical maternal and child health services include risk screening, management of pregnancy complications, nutrition guidance and support, health education, skilled birth attendance, breastfeeding support, postpartum family planning, infant immunization and well-baby visits, and more. 

This section of the Toolkit offers guidance and tools for providing a range of maternal and child health services in crisis situations. Do you have a comment, or would you like to suggest a maternal and child health resource for inclusion in this Toolkit? Please fill out our feedback form.