The Growing Linkage Between Maternal Health and Non-Communicable Diseases (“NCDs”)

Executive Summary

Even as our Global Maternal Health forces continue to address historical challenges and priorities (e.g., obstructed labor, infection, cross-infection, hemorrhage, and other Maternal complications), global efforts must begin to intensify focus and resources on the mounting intersection of Maternal Health and Non-Communicable Diseases (“NCDs”). This overview provides a brief summary of the growing burdens of Maternal/NCD intersection and offers a preview of next-phase Maternal Health challenges for the coming decades.

Our report is not intended to provide a comprehensive scientific review but, rather, to offer a very general introduction to Maternal Health and NCD interconnections that are the greatest challenges in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (“LMICs”), including India and Africa (TEAMFund’s initial geographies of interest). Specifically, this White Paper reviews the growing intersection between Maternal Health and: (1) cardiovascular diseases; (2) stroke/cerebrovascular disease; (3) diabetes (including gestational diabetes); (4) cancer (including breast, cervical, and liver cancer); (5) chronic respiratory conditions; (6) renal disease; and (7) undernutrition and overnutrition issues.

Please email c.haynes@teamfundhealth.org to request access to the full report.