PAHO launches the second phase of the call for good practices based on primary health care to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in the Americas

Washington, D.C., June 25, 2026 (PAHO) - The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) launched the second phase of the regional call for good practices for the reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality based on primary health care (PHC), with the aim of identifying, documenting, and disseminating innovative and replicable experiences that contribute to improving the health of women and newborns in the Region of the Americas.

The initiative seeks to recognize successful experiences developed by public institutions, civil society organizations, academic institutions, international organizations and other strategic actors that have demonstrated results in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality and that can be adapted or replicated in different contexts.

The call is part of the PAHO-led call to action to accelerate the reduction of maternal mortality in the Region, as well as efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths and move towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Proposals must address one or more of the six strategic lines prioritized by PAHO: (1) Strengthening governance and stewardship in health and maternal and newborn health management; (2) Expansion and strengthening of the first level of care; (3) Strengthening of health service networks, with emphasis on maternal, neonatal, sexual and reproductive care; (4) Improving the quality of care in integrated health service networks; (5) Development and strengthening of human resources for health; (6) Empowerment of women, families and communities for health care and the enforceability of sexual and reproductive rights.

PAHO defines a good practice as an initiative, intervention, methodology, or procedure that has demonstrated positive results and that can be adapted or replicated by other countries, territories, or organizations. The proposals will be evaluated using a standardized methodology based on eight fundamental attributes: effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, replicability or adaptability, innovation, participation and focus on cross-cutting issues such as equity, gender, ethnicity and human rights.

Who can participate

The call is open to national, subnational and local authorities; academic institutions; civil society organizations; international organizations; non-governmental organizations; media; research institutions; and experts from the Region with experience in maternal and newborn health.

Proposals may be submitted in Spanish, English, Portuguese or French.

Key dates

Opening of the call: June 26, 2026.

Closing of the call: August 26, 2026.

Publication of results: October-November 2026.

Proposals should be submitted exclusively through PAHO's Public Health Good Practices Portal. Each author may submit up to two proposals.

For more information, visit PAHO's Good Practices in Public Health Portal.