Fabiana Villela Mamede1, Patrícia Santos Prudêncio1. 1. Departamento de Enfermagem Materno-Infantil e Saúde Pública, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the contributions of public policies and programs to the improvement of maternal health. METHOD: Historical and reflective study from the perspective of the theoretical framework of sexual and reproductive rights. RESULTS: maternal health is embedded in sexual and reproductive rights, which are seen as human rights and a responsibility of the state. Many programs and policies have been developed and improved in order to bring advancements to maternal health and contribute to meeting the fifth Millennium Development Goal. CONCLUSIONS: The development and enhancement of programs and policies played an important role in the organization of health systems, reflecting on improvements achieved in maternal health indicators. However, the perpetuation of high levels of maternal mortality over the years underscores the need to rethink the path trailed to date.
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the contributions of public policies and programs to the improvement of maternal health. METHOD: Historical and reflective study from the perspective of the theoretical framework of sexual and reproductive rights. RESULTS: maternal health is embedded in sexual and reproductive rights, which are seen as human rights and a responsibility of the state. Many programs and policies have been developed and improved in order to bring advancements to maternal health and contribute to meeting the fifth Millennium Development Goal. CONCLUSIONS: The development and enhancement of programs and policies played an important role in the organization of health systems, reflecting on improvements achieved in maternal health indicators. However, the perpetuation of high levels of maternal mortality over the years underscores the need to rethink the path trailed to date.