Acting on the Call—the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)’s response to the 2012 global Call to Action— lays out a bold agenda to save the lives of women and children. Since 2014, this flagship report has served as a roadmap for accelerating progress against one of the Agency’s top global health priorities: preventing maternal and child deaths. Each year the report highlights how far the global health community has come in accelerating access to essential health care for mothers, newborns, and children in 25 countries where they are most vulnerable.

To achieve lasting gains on maternal and child survival, USAID will focus on supporting countries to dramatically increase the strength and adaptability of their health systems to withstand and effectively respond to both chronic health problems and emerging threats. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, USAID and our partners will need to be nimble and flexible in the way we deliver programs and resources—adjusting and adapting policies and approaches to respond to constantly emerging challenges. Together with our partners, USAID remains committed to improving maternal and child health outcomes across the globe.