ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA – Maternal and newborn health takes centre stage during this year’s celebration of World Health Day, April 7, with the launch of a year-long campaign by the World Health Organisation (WHO) titled “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.”
The campaign which responds to the high rates of morbidity of pregnant women and newborn babies, calls on governments and the global health community to intensify efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths while prioritising long-term health and wellbeing for women.
According to WHO each year, nearly 300,000 women die from pregnancy or childbirth, while over 2 million babies respectively are stillborn or die within their first month, about one preventable death every 7 seconds.
In alignment with this global movement, Grenada has made strides in improving maternal and newborn healthcare, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring safer pregnancies, deliveries, and postnatal care.
A significant milestone in Grenada’s journey was the achievement of a Baby-Friendly Hospital Certification from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in 2024, after a thorough assessment confirmed its adoption of the 10-step breastfeeding initiative. This recognition reflects the country’s dedication to promoting breastfeeding and high-quality newborn care. Further highlighting this commitment, Grenada hosted its inaugural Perinatal Conference on February 17, 2025 – a landmark event that brought together healthcare professionals to share insights and explore best practices in maternal and newborn health.
The conference, attended by several senior government officials, was hailed as a turning point by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Shawn Charles, who stated, “This is a significant and positive step in the development of maternal and neonatal care services that are delivered here in Grenada.” His remarks underscore the government’s focus on enhancing services at the General Hospital and strengthening support systems for families during the perinatal period.
Building on this momentum, the event also drew strong support from the Minister for Health Hon. Philip Telesford, who highlighted the critical role of cross-sector collaboration. “By investing in healthcare including comprehensive and evidence-based perinatal care, we can significantly reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates, prevent complications, and ensure a healthy start to life for our youngest citizens,” he affirmed. His comments reinforce the message that sustained investment, coupled with evidence-driven practices, is essential for achieving long-term improvements in maternal and newborn outcomes.
At the forefront of these efforts is Grenada’s Maternal and Child Health Programme, a pillar of the country’s primary healthcare system. Managed by the Community Nursing Department, this programme ensures that expectant mothers receive comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care. The government has also prioritised continuous training for nurses and doctors, enhancing their ability to provide high-quality, evidence-based care. Furthermore, Grenada is currently updating its clinical guidelines to align with international standards, ensuring even better health outcomes for mothers and babies.
With continued investment and commitment, Grenada is paving the way for healthier beginnings and hopeful futures for mothers and newborns across the nation.
