The Maternal Health Task Force at EngenderHealth and Ashoka’s Changemakers have launched “Healthy Mothers, Strong World: The Next Generation of Ideas for Maternal Health,” a global competition to identify inspiring young changemakers with solutions that will transform the maternal health field.
Maternal health is gaining prominence on the global development agenda but needs a new generation of professionals to sustain the momentum and end the cycle of maternal death and disability. The Changemakers online platform will identify 16 young leaders from around the world, Young Champions of Maternal Health, to develop their innovative ideas during 9-month mentorships with seasoned Ashoka Fellows working in the field of maternal health.
During this time, the Young Champions will have access to maternal health experts through the Maternal Health Task Force and resources to further develop their ideas and projects. “The MHTF is eager to foster new ideas coming from the next generation of maternal health leaders,” said Dr. Ann K. Blanc, Director of the MHTF at EngenderHealth. All Young Champions will receive a monthly stipend and 100% financial support for travel, accommodation, insurance, and visa costs. The innovations and projects that emerge from the Young Champions Program will be publicized widely.
In addition to selecting 16 Young Champions, the Changemakers competition will award 3 organizations $5,000 in-kind prizes to attend the global Maternal Health Change Summit to be held in India late in August 2010. At the Change Summit, the Young Champions and the Changemakers Prize Winners will discuss their ideas and projects, receive training, and get feedback and advice from maternal health experts.
“The health of all mothers is moving to the forefront of the world’s agenda, so this is an opportune time to identify the next generation that will make innovative ideas work on a large scale,” says Charlie Brown, Changemakers’ Executive Director.
Visit Changemakers now to nominate an inspiring Young Champion with a groundbreaking solution, enter your own initiative, or submit your own application to become a Young Champion of Maternal Health.
For more information about “Healthy Mothers, Strong World: The Next Generation of Ideas for Maternal Health” visit www.changemakers.com/maternalhealth or email connect@changemakers.com.
