Maternal mortality is a vital indicator of the performance of healthcare systems. To address the challenges it faces, a multifaceted lens is required. In this editorial, we present eight studies addressing maternal health from various perspectives, including epidemiology, social support, technology, and innovation. Specifically, we discuss the pandemic-related increase in maternal mortality in Brazil, racial disparities in severe maternal morbidity in the US, the benefits of social support for postpartum depression in Poland, and the adverse effects of maternal obesity in Nigeria. Furthermore, we also discuss studies on vascular dysfunction in hypertensive pregnancies, the impact of the pandemic on pregnancy in Louisiana, the development of a cost-effective uterine balloon tamponade kit for postpartum hemorrhage, and the application of AI to predict delivery outcomes. Collectively, we emphasize the necessity of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary strategy to reduce maternal mortality and improve care globally.
- Kok Hian Tan
- Kimiyo Kikuchi
- Jakub Młodawski