Every two minutes,
A Mother or Baby Dies
From Preventable Causes
WHY
are women and children dying of preventable causes?
PROBLEM ONE
Inequalities in access to quality health services is a leading factor in maternal mortality across the globe.1
1 – UNICEF (April 2025)
ECHO IMPACT
500+ ECHO Programs focused on maternal and child health have reached half a million attendances.
PROBLEM TWO
The leading cause of death of children under the age of five is infectious diseases, followed by preterm birth and intrapartum-related complications.2
2 – UNICEF (March 2025)
ECHO IMPACT
PROBLEM ONE
3 – World Health Organization (May 2021)
ECHO IMPACT
ECHO: Around the World
2020
Midwives at the Ready
ZAMBIA – The Midwives Association of Zambia teamed up with the American Academy of Pediatrics to build the capacity of the midwifery students and qualified midwives who were not trained in emerency obstectric and newborn care in two areas: helping babies survive and helping mothers survive. This program is currently on hiatus.
2021
Reducing Childhood Mortality
EL SALVADOR – The National Institute of Health (INS) hopes to reduce the number of children dying of infectious diseases by improving diagnosis and treatments. Through its ECHO Program, providers learn up-to-date knowledge and best practices, improving care in the most underserved communities.
2021
Improving the System
ETHIOPIA – Eight hospitals participated in a quality improvement ECHO Program. They focused on improving timely cord clamping, resulting in significant compliance increase (90% adherence).
2022
Focusing on the Most Vulnerable
UNITED STATES – Founded in Indiana, the Black Maternal Health ECHO Program explores clinical practice changes that help reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. The program has shown to improve providers’ understanding of the unique stressors affecting Black mothers—racism, medical distrust and economic disparities—and how those stressors can exacerbate other medical conditions. Today, participants in 23 states attend.
2024
Detecting a Need
INDONESIA – To address the high rates of neonatal mortality related to untreated heart defects, the Ministry of Health created an ECHO Program providing echocardiography training and two years of mentorship for portable ultrasound equipment.
2024
Upskilling to Support Mothers
INDIA – Through Project ECHO, community health workers learn how to handle pregnancy complications, provide safe deliveries and postpartum care, and instruct mothers about nutrition and immunization needs for their newborns. These workers, known as Accredited Social Health Activists or ASHAs, fill a critical need in rural areas.
2024
Leveraging Technology
SOUTH AFRICA – Funded by the Gates Foundation, the University of Pretoria Research Centre trained primary care providers on how to use ultrasounds, while building a strong community of mentors. The grant provided 500 ultrasound units to the participants.
A Healthy Future Starts Here
Healthy mothers and children have a positive ripple effect of families and communities, reducing poverty and improving the quality of life for future generations.
Investing in maternal and child health today leads to a healthier community tomorrow.
Speak with our team to learn more about program or funding opportunities.
Join Our Community
Join our monthly sessions on iECHO.org to learn more about applying the maternal child health lens to ECHO Programs.