The World Health Organization (WHO) is committed to driving public health impact in every country, ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. Through its unique normative function in health, WHO aims to provide global, evidence-informed recommendations to improve maternal and perinatal health. Indirect causes accounted for over a quarter of the estimated maternal deaths globally in 2017. Many of these indirect deaths are due to pre-existing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs and obstetric conditions may co-exist and/or influence the clinical course of the other, becoming co-morbidities.
NCDs are an increasing problem in all populations, and the intersection between pregnancy and NCDs is to be expected. The need to address the consequences of NCDs is defined not only by their contribution to maternal mortality and, thus, the achievement of Sustainable Goal 3.1 (to improve maternal health) but also as a matter of gender equality, equity and human rights.
Addressing the management of NCDs in pregnancy
Guidelines are needed to provide optimal, evidence-based care to pregnant women with NCDs. However, most guidelines written from the perspective of NCDs do not thoroughly address the complexities of the condition in pregnancy. Similarly, clinical guidelines in maternal and perinatal health have focused recommendations on obstetric care in pregnancy, primarily for the general, “low-risk” population. The guidance which does exist addressing the management of NCDs in pregnancy is generally written for higher resource settings. Healthcare workers and policymakers working in low- and middle-income countries need accessible information on the best practices for managing what has been considered “higher-risk” pregnancies.
WHO recommendations on screening and management of non-communicable diseases, mental health, and substance use conditions during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period aim to provide globally relevant clinical recommendations to ensure quality care and mitigate risks of NCDs for the pregnancy and future health of the mother and child. Technical meetings organized by WHO identified priority areas for guideline development. Based on the identified subtopics and the normative needs identified at various technical meetings organized by WHO, thematic subgroups will meet to advise and support this normative work.
WHO is convening the first meeting of this WHO guideline development group – subgroup: hemoglobinopathies on 30-31 May 2023 (12:30-15:30h CET each day). The objectives of this meeting are to:
- Prioritize PICO questions for the development of recommendations
- Identify topics for further discussions, technical meetings or research.
In line with WHO policy on conflict of interest, members of the public and interested organizations can access the biographies of the GDG proposed members and inform WHO of their views about them. All comments should be sent by email to Dr Doris Chou to choud@who.int by 29 May 2023.
This WHO normative meeting is by invitation only.