Last April 20, 2012, the 162 to 52 Health Summit themed, “Accelerating Impact on Maternal and Child Health through Local Health System Development,” gathered various stakeholders from government, academe, profit and non-profit sectors to boost multi-sectoral efforts in addressing maternal and health challenges of the country.

The National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) recorded 162 maternal deaths out of 100,000 live births in 2010. It is estimated that 11 mothers die every day due to childbirth and pregnancy-related complications. “Maternal deaths impact infant and child mortality rates because