More than 340,000 women die each year due to complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Most of these deaths could be prevented.

More than half of all maternal deaths occur in only six countries: India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

MacArthur is helping to reduce maternal death and illness in the developing world, with a special focus on Mexico, Nigeria, and India.

MacArthur's grantmaking to reduce maternal mortality focuses on innovative models that can eventually be scaled up, enhanced skills for health professionals, informed advocacy, and research.

With MacArthur support, Pathfinder International is introducing a package of low-tech interventions to dozens of health facilities in India and Nigeria to prevent postpartum hemorrhage, which accounts for 30 percent of maternal deaths worldwide.

A key component of this new effort is distribution of the anti-shock garment, a low-cost neoprene suit that helps stabilize women who are bleeding during childbirth.

The anti-shock garment can buy time for women who often must be transported long distances in order to reach a health facility for treatment.

Early results indicate that the suit has the potential to reduce mortality of women experiencing postpartum hemorrhage by up to 60 percent.

Maternal deaths world-wide are declining, but not enough to meet United Nations goals. Still, effective models must be developed and governments must meet their political and financial pledges.