How to Do More with Less in Simulation

In 2015, more than 300,000 women died during pregnancy and immediately following childbirth.¹ 99% of these deaths occurred in developing countries.² Laerdal Global Health (LGH), a not-for-profit organization funded by Laerdal Medical, develops programs to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in low-resource countries. We believe a lot can be learned from LGH’s experience that can be transferred to high-resourse environments.

LGH was founded in 2010. Working in partnership with Jhiepego, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Church of Latter-Day Saints, LGH has helped make tremendous improvements in the health of new mothers and newborns in developing countries. A study in Tanzania, for example, measured the success of the Helping Babies Breathe Program with a sustained 47% reduction in early neonatal mortality within 24 hours and a 24% reduction in fresh stillbirths after 2 years.³ These same solutions that have made a difference in Tanzania can do the same in the United States and elsewhere.