In partnership with MSD for mothers | Maternity Matters

Strengthening systems for safer childbirth through locally-led solutions

Wednesday, Sept. 21 | 10:15 a.m. ET | New York & Online

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About the Online Event


The COVID-19 pandemic has stretched national health systems to a breaking point, hindered access to maternal health services, and worsened maternal health outcomes. The global health community must work collectively in support of locally driven, sustainable solutions to augment health system capacity, increase health system efficiency, responsiveness and resiliency, and improve maternal health outcomes.

In September 2021, MSD for Mothers launched a new multisectoral initiative — Strengthening Systems for Safer Childbirth — aimed at accelerating progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 3.1 by investing in locally led solutions to strengthen health systems in India, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Kenya. Strengthening Systems for Safer Childbirth will be an ambitious step forward in improving maternal health through multisectoral coalitions implementing evidence-based solutions informed by local community priorities.

Join us for the livestream of this event on the sidelines of UNGA 77 where Devex, in partnership with MSD for Mothers, will explore ways in which the Strengthening Systems for Safer Childbirth initiative will support local coalitions of NGOs, civil society, and social enterprises to implement solutions in their specific geographies.

In this event we will:
• Present for the first time the selected coalitions awarded the fellowship, as well as the community of practice lead organization.
• Bring together global multilateral, academic, government, and private sector leaders in New York.
• Explore locally led solutions to strengthen health systems and the need for integrating women’s voices to develop appropriate solutions to local problems.

Save your spot to join us online to be a part of bridging the funding gap affecting reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health services.

Please note that registration for the in-person event is now closed.

Watch the event

Schedule


​​10:15 a.m. ET

Welcome remarks

• Anna Gawel, managing editor, Devex
• Dr. Mary-Ann Etiebet, lead of MSD for Mothers and AVP for health equity, MSD

​​10:20 a.m. ET

Fireside chat

• Cynthia Kahumbura, Kenya country director, Jacaranda Health

​​10:27 a.m. ET

Coalitions video

​​10:30 a.m. ET

Panel conversation

• Dr. Austin Demby, minister of health and sanitation, Sierra Leone
• Natasha Sunderji, global health lead, Accenture Development Partnerships
• Niranjan Saggurti, managing director, Population Council Consulting Private Limited

Interviewed by: Anna Gawel, managing editor, Devex

11:00 a.m.

Audience Q&A

• Led by Anna Gawel, managing editor, Devex

11:10 a.m. ET

Closing remarks

• Anna Gawel, managing editor, Devex
• Dr. Mary-Ann Etiebet, lead of MSD for Mothers and AVP for health equity, MSD

Speakers


Dr. Austin Demby

Dr. Austin Demby

Minister of health and sanitation, Sierra Leone

Dr. Mary-Ann Etiebet

Dr. Mary-Ann Etiebet

Lead of MSD for Mothers and AVP for health equity

Cynthia Kahumbura

Cynthia Kahumbura

Kenya country director, Jacaranda Health

Dr. Ben Nkechika

Dr. Ben Nkechika

Director general, Delta State Contributory Health Commission

Niranjan Saggurti

Niranjan Saggurti

Director, Population Council Consulting

Natasha Sunderji

Natasha Sunderji

Global health lead, Accenture Development Partnerships

Moderators


Anna Gawel

Anna Gawel

Managing editor, Devex

Hosted by:

Devex

Produced in Partnership with:

MSD for Mothers