Solange, a 39-year-old mother living in Tsarakianja in the District of Mananjary, Madagascar, did not understand the importance of seeking antenatal care (ANC) at a health facility during her first three pregnancies, so she did not receive the recommended medicines to protect her and her baby from malaria. During her third pregnancy, Solange contracted severe
Reaching Each Rung of the Health Care Ladder We work to ensure access to—and use of—high-quality, safe and effective voluntary family planning. We work with individuals and communities to explain the variety of contraceptives and how they work, while addressing beliefs and behaviors around their availability and use. We support facilities and providers in efficiently
Why are pregnant women at risk of malaria? Pregnancy reduces a woman’s immunity to malaria, which makes her more susceptible to malaria infection and increases her risk of illness. In pregnant women, malaria can lead to severe anemia, spontaneous abortion (miscarriage), stillbirth, premature delivery, delivery of low-birthweight babies, and death. Women in their first pregnancy
