Maternal and Child Health

Maternal and Child Health
What We Do
Catholic Relief Services works to prevent and treat the leading causes of maternal and child deaths in developing countries. CRS helps children and their mothers survive by implementing high-impact, evidence-based interventions
How We Do it
Engaging households: At the household level, CRS and our partners counsel parents on disease prevention, early detection of danger signs and seeking prompt treatment to avoid preventable deaths. CRS creates a safe environment for active male involvement to support improved maternal and child health outcomes.
Supporting communities: CRS strengthens community systems in remote areas where health care is frequently inaccessible. We work in partnership with ministries of health and civil society organizations to develop community-based services to provide essential preventive, curative and rehabilitative health care. CRS supports just and equitable distribution of health resources and the formation of sustainable community-based health networks by building partnerships between community-based organizations and sub-national health systems.
Strengthening health systems: Well-run health facilities are critical for saving women and children’s lives. CRS works with a wide range of partners to strengthen health systems to improve maternal and child health outcomes. Health workers and facility staff members receive guidance and training in managing health operations to provide quality care.
Where We Work
Explore the regions where CRS is transforming lives through your generosity. From Africa to Latin America, discover stories of hope and resilience across the globe.
Explore Our Projects

Welcoming Our Holy Father with Joy and Hope
Catholic Relief Services warmly welcomes our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, with grateful and joyful hearts.
Read Story arrow_right_alt
Stephen Ucembe: A Story of Resilience
The founder of the Kenya Society of Care Leavers, Stephen Ucembe survived life in an orphanage where hunger, isolation, and abuse were rampant.
Read Story arrow_right_alt
Our Current Prayer
As Catholics, we recognize that prayer is of the utmost importance. In our mission to act with the Church to serve people around the world, we begin with prayer.
Read Story arrow_right_alt
Improving Livestock Farming in Central African Republic
I Londo I Mai is a 24-month project that aims to strengthen the capacity of vulnerable and conflict-affected families and improve their economic resilience in the northwest of the Central African Republic.
Read Story arrow_right_alt
Transforming Livelihoods Across Generations
CRS focuses on high-value crops that grow in harmony with native tree populations found only in the rainforests of Madagascar.
Read Story arrow_right_alt
Niger Youth Program Launches Work Opportunities
The project helps budding entrepreneurs learn skills as they build their own businesses and increase their income.
Read Story arrow_right_alt
A Win-Win for American Farmers and School Children in Laos
How the USDA's McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program benefits the U.S. and Laos.
Read Story arrow_right_alt
Raising the Score in Early Childhood Development
Religious sisters expand outreach to children in Kenya, Malawi and Zambia.
Read Story arrow_right_alt
Lesotho's Pathway Out of Poverty Starts Early
CRS and our Catholic partners lead the way with preschool education that benefits children and gives working parents peace of mind.
Read Story arrow_right_alt
Teen Pregnancy and Family Parenting in Kenya
One family shows what it means to come together to help their children in areas of Kenya where HIV has left the social fabric frayed.
Read Story arrow_right_alt
Tanzanian Fathers Raise Babies, Erode Parenting Taboo
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and CRS THRIVE promote more caregiving among men.
Read Story arrow_right_alt
Home gardens support good nutrition: Megha’s Story
Together, we can lead the way to prevent and end hunger with sustainable farming solutions that increase access to nutritious food.
Read Story arrow_right_alt01/04

Save lives
every month!
Join the CRS monthly giving program, Footsteps in Faith, and you can make a difference all year long! Bring lasting change to your sisters and brothers in need around the world.
STAY UPDATED
Program News & Articles
With a team of Communications staff around the world, we can provide real-time updates during emergencies and on a wide variety of current issues and events facing the developing world and the international community.