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Ardern Revives Maternal Health Initiative Amid Budget Cuts

1/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Jacinda Ardern, former New Zealand prime minister, revived the Safer Births in Crisis project to reduce maternal mortality in South Sudan and Burkina Faso.
The program's budget shrank from $10 million for seven countries to $4 million due to U.S. foreign aid cuts.
It will test a blood-collection device to monitor postpartum hemorrhage and improve care for mothers and newborns.

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Story summary

Jacinda Ardern, former New Zealand prime minister, revived the Safer Births in Crisis project to reduce maternal mortality in South Sudan and Burkina Faso.
The program's budget shrank from $10 million for seven countries to $4 million due to U.S. foreign aid cuts.
It will test a blood-collection device to monitor postpartum hemorrhage and improve care for mothers and newborns.