Around the world, over 280,000 women die every year from complications during pregnancy or childbirth. Six United Nations agencies have come together in a joint effort called H4+, to reduce child and maternal mortality rates and ensure that all mothers and children have access to the best possible care to enable them to live healthy, productive lives. 

On the ground in Haiti, working to save the lives of mothers during childbirth. This video was original aired on NOW on Public Television, January, 2010.

Shows the powerful transformation in Ghana's maternal health care system where investment in midwives promises to dramatically reduce maternal mortality. Profiles a midwife who overcomes cultural and distance barriers to encourage facility deliveries. Producer: Allison Shigo/Co-Producer: Adrian Heinzelman Engel Entertainment

According to the authorities, 80 per cent of all women in Southern Sudan give birth at home, without the help of a midwife, and  the region suffers from one of the highest maternal death rates in the world.

Midwives play a critical role in delivering antenatal care for pregnant women and assisting physicians in the process of delivery. UNFPA supports the Government of Uzbekistan in improving maternal health services.

Liya Kebede, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and founder of The Liya Kebede Foundation, appeared at the UN Secretary-Generals Forum on Advancing Global Health in the Face of Crisis