Author: Patience Afulani, Associate professor, University of California, San Francisco

An estimated 800 women die every day across the world as a result of pregnancy-related complications. Most deaths (95%) occur in low- and middle-income countries. Two-thirds are in sub-Saharan Africa. For every woman who dies, about 20 others suffer from various pregnancy related complications. Roughly three-quarters of these deaths result from complications during labour, delivery and the first 24 hours after delivery. High-quality care during childbirth is critical for preventing maternal and newborn deaths. While a growing number of women are giving birth in health facilities in sub-Saharan African countries like Ghana and Kenya, there are still significant gaps in…