Session Description: Black maternal mortality rates persist as a critical issue globally and domestically, highlighting systemic disparities that demand urgent attention and innovative solutions. This session will bring together leaders and experts from diverse backgrounds to explore the multifaceted challenges and promising strategies aimed at improving Black maternal health outcomes.
Participants engaged in insightful discussions on the global landscape of Black maternal health, examining disparities in access to quality care, systemic biases, and the impact of social determinants of health. Domestic perspectives highlighted initiatives and policies that have shown promise in reducing maternal mortality rates within Black communities across various regions.
Learn more about the initiative here.
Summary of the session: The Aspen Black Maternal Survival Initiative aims to address the disparity in maternal mortality rates, with 44 black women dying for every 13 white women. The initiative emphasizes the need for systemic changes, including empowering community health workers, addressing implicit bias, and creating accountable systems. Success stories from countries like Australia and Rwanda highlight the impact of leadership and supportive ecosystems. The initiative also calls for global collaboration, investment in community leaders, and narrative change to shift public perception and maintain political will. Challenges include legal restrictions and the need for targeted policies and funding.