Traditional midwives Petrona (left) and Elena (right) from communities in Larrainzar, Mexico, have been delivering babies for 44 years and 23 years, respectively, and will continue to do so through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Every year 500,000 women die from pregnancy and childbirth-related causes. Global Pediatric Alliance (GPA) works to reduce maternal and infant deaths and improve the quality of life for women and children in Latin America. GPA is funding locally designed projects like Nich Ixim so communities have access to clean water, safer pregnancies, and healthy babies. Community health workers are often the only link to essential services in the most neglected areas and GPA’s projects bring lifesaving skills to traditional midwives, making a tremendous impact. With the COVID-19 outbreak, these midwives play an even more essential role as potentially the only frontline health workers for their communities. 

Since March 2020, Global Pediatric Alliance has raised a little over $24,000 for its COVID-19 Emergency Action Fund. With this Fund, they have delivered over 1,300 kits of personal protective equipment and midwifery supplies in Chiapas. They have also provided seven Emergency Grants to local organizations — 5 in Chiapas and 2 in Guatemala. 

Abundance is proud to support their work and continue to invest in improving the health and well-being of women and children in Latin America. 

Please visit www.globalpediatricalliance.org for more information.