Postpartum Hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage – excessive bleeding following birth – is the leading cause of maternal death. The majority of these deaths occur in developing countries, where emergency obstetric care is often not available.

EngenderHealth is a partner in the Prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage Initiative (POPPHI), funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development, which focuses on strategies to reduce postpartum hemorrhage. POPPHI is working to expand the use of an evidence-based, low-cost solution called “active management of the third stage of labor.” This intervention could save thousands of women’s lives each year.

Through POPPHI, EngenderHealth is taking a leading role in raising awareness about the need for postpartum care and galvanizing commitments from international colleagues and policymakers to do more to prevent postpartum hemorrhage.

EngenderHealth has also provided assistance to the RACHA program in Cambodia to prevent and manage postpartum hemorrhage by training midwives in lifesaving skills.