Berkley Center

Faith-based organizations (FBOs) are often at the frontline of health care in developing countries and have networks in the most remote regions. Their close links to communities provide them with an opportunity to promote behavior change and address other cultural factors contributing to maternal mortality rates, such as early marriage and family planning. Working in collaboration with FBOs and other stakeholders is critical to promoting demand for maternal and reproductive health services; however, limited knowledge about faith-based maternal healthcare exists.

This discussion highlighted successes and challenges in the field and highlighted the lessons and knowledge gaps identified during a Wilson Center workshop in Washington, D.C. with 30 experts from the faith-based and maternal health communities.

 Strategies and recommendations identified during the Wilson Center workshop were provided by Katherine Marshall, executive director, World Faiths Development Dialogue, and senior fellow at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs.