Today, we’re celebrating mothers around the world for all they do for their families, communities, and countries. Today and every day, we are grateful for the many mothers and other women whose strength and resilience keep our families and communities together.

Today is also an opportunity to reflect on some of the challenges mothers face around the world. Globally, complications related to pregnancy and childbirth are the second-leading cause of death among women of reproductive age, with more than 300,000 maternal deaths occurring each year. 

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is working to ensure that women have access to quality, respectful care during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, no matter where in the world they live. We’re helping to equip mothers with the knowledge and resources to make sure their children thrive and have the opportunities they deserve, regardless of where they are born.

Since 2008, USAID has saved the lives of 200,000 mothers in 24 high burden countries. Join USAID in wishing these women and all mothers around the world a very happy Mother’s Day.

Learn more

• Read about USAID's work in maternal health. 
• Browse the photo gallery of our efforts to save women's lives.  
• Learn about how USAID is Acting on the Call to save the lives of 15 million children and 600,000 mothers by 2020. 
• Follow @USAIDGH on Twitter and join us on Facebook.

Photo credit: Kate Holt for JHPIEGO/MCSP