***Saving Mothers, Giving Life* *2016 Annual Report***

Since 2012, the Saving Mothers, Giving Life (SMGL) partnership has dramatically reduced rates of maternal and newborn mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. The SMGL 2016 Annual Report highlights a decrease in maternal deaths by 55 percent in target facilities in Zambia and 44 percent in target districts in Uganda. We achieved these results by implementing a set of evidence-based interventions to enhance significantly women’s chances of surviving complications of pregnancy and childbirth. Our approach addresses the three major delays to care: delays in seeking care, delays in accessing care, and delays in receiving quality care.

In addition to impressive results in reducing maternal deaths, SMGL has had a significant impact in improving maternal and neonatal care. Since the start of the partnership, we have seen a 44 percent reduction in stillbirth and facility newborn deaths in Zambia, as well as a 42 percent increase in women delivering in facilities. In Uganda, we’ve seen a 51 percent increase in caesarian sections, as well as a 97 percent increase in newborns receiving HIV prevention medication.

In 2015, SMGL expanded to Nigeria. The project is now starting to strengthen facilities and healthcare delivery, and measurable results are expected in 2017. SMGL is on track to meet its goal of reducing maternal mortality ratio by 50 percent in target districts in Zambia and Uganda.