Global Health

Maternal, Newborn and Child Health

Gabriel Dikete Otshudi (left), coordinator for the Central Congo UMC Health Board, visits new mother Mrs. Rose and baby in the Nganza Health Center Maternity Ward, DRC.

Photo: Central Congo UMC Health Board

During pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period, women need care, education and support for their own health and in their role as caregivers.

Our work to improve the health and well-being of mothers and children is focused in areas of the world where maternal and infant mortality rates are highest due to isolation, poverty and limited services.

We help meet a variety of maternal and child health needs, including nutrition guidance, HIV and AIDS testing and counseling, and community engagement and outreach.

Our Impact

See how we made a difference in the lives of women and children in 2024.

$347,985

grant dollars awarded
Over a quarter million dollars supported Maternal, Newborn and Child Health initiatives.

111,221

people reached
More than 100,000 mothers and children received life-saving care.

4

grants awarded
Grants supported UMC health boards, other UMC partners as well as faith-based organizations.

Champion Our Global Health Initiatives

Learn how you can support and promote the UMC’s mission to ensure better health for everyone.

Connecting the Church in Mission: Global Health

Overview video of Global Health and its work to strengthen health systems, prevent and treat disease, access clean water and sanitation, and care for vulnerable communities.

Abundant Health General Conference 2024 Video

Overview video on the work of the Abundant Health Initiative.

Joyce Madanga Global Health Story

Hear from Joyce Madanga, Maternal Child Health Coordinator in Nigeria, as she shares how Global Ministries' Global Health support has made a meaningful difference in her community.

Explore More Health Ministries

Learn about the vital work we’re doing to help people all over the world receive the health care they need.

UMCOR Campaigns

Six Years, No Solution: A 500-Gallon Tank Carries Hope to West Virginia’s Forgotten

McDowell County is one of the poorest in the U.S., and the communities of Anawalt, Leckie and Gary are some of the hardest hit by the current six-year water crisis. All have Methodist churches that are part of the Welch Charge.

To ease the burden of residents who have to purchase many gallons of drinking water weekly, the Welch Charge contacted the West Virginia Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, Jim McCune, for help. McCune’s United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) connection put him in touch with Global Ministries’ Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) program. 

A WASH grant allowed them to obtain a 500-gallon “water buffalo.” The conference disaster response team arranged to fill the portable water buffalo from the Welch water system, the county seat of McDowell, and transport it to Gary, where residents have been supplied with refillable containers. Residents of all three towns can come to get water, and volunteers will also continue deliveries for those who need it. Meanwhile, residents, including church members, continue to advocate state and local officials for a permanent solution to their aging, compromised water infrastructure. Full Story