.png?sfvrsn=6d0e27cd_1 "Partnership for Change - v7 (1)")
This month, I am happy to spotlight the What to Expect Project (WTEP), a PMNCH member of the NGO constituency that is holding its 8th annual #BumpDay initiative on 20 July. Every day, more than 800 women die from preventable causes related to pregnancy or childbirth worldwide, and there are currently vast disparities in care based on where a mom lives, her ability to pay and the color of their skin. Founded by Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting, WTEP is dedicated to informing, supporting, and empowering moms in need around the world, so they can expect healthier pregnancies, safer deliveries, healthier babies, and healthier futures. The organization harnesses the power and global reach of the What to Expect brand and mobilizes its community of more than 20 million moms to help bring about positive change, particularly on issues that impact moms and families most.
#BumpDay is a social media advocacy campaign that celebrates healthy pregnancies while raising urgent awareness about maternal deaths, the majority of which are preventable, and the need for better, more accessible maternal health care throughout the world. On #BumpDay, moms and mom-lovers from around the world are asked to post bump photos (theirs or ones they love, past or present) with the hashtag #BumpDay and a message about why maternal health matters to them. Key to the campaign is partnering with influencers who share their story or spread the word to their large followings on social media and organizations (NGOs, academia, media outlets, legislators, etc.) with maternal health care efforts. A full list of partners can be found here.
Globally, investments in women’s health are associated with long-term economic productivity, while maternal morbidity places substantial financial burdens on health systems and societies.
WTEP also works with legislators globally to advocate for strong maternal health policies and programs, including access to essential health workers and a continuum of care and strengthening capacity to respond to public health emergencies. When resources of an already strained health care system are diverted towards a crisis like COVID-19, it’s often done at the expense of maternal health, which is, after all, the foundation of all health and a robust economy as investments in women’s health are associated with long-term economic productivity. Together with its partners, WTEP is addressing challenges that are greater than ever, but so is the urgency of its mission to ensure quality care for all moms, without exception and without disparities.