Bringing together over 100 researchers to improve health for women, children and families around the world

Maternal, reproductive and child health problems are major contributors to ill-health worldwide and account for over nine million deaths every year, many of which are preventable.

MARCH brings together researchers, students and practitioners to address these problems. We conduct studies in low, middle and high income countries. Our world-renowned researchers have strengths in epidemiology, intervention studies and health economics and policy.

Currently we have over 80 multidisciplinary research studies which cover themes including: family planning, infertility, growth and development during pregnancy, maternal morbidity, newborn health, nutrition, health systems and treatment for infectious disease in pregnancy and early life.


MARCH consolidates research and training by:

  • Building research partnerships throughout the world

  • Supporting communication networks and providing a coordinating function among researchers

  • Strengthening applications for research funding in maternal, reproductive and child health

  • Facilitating new teaching and training initiatives

HIGHLIGHTS


Joint project assessing obstetric fistula in South Sudan


With colleagues from the LSHTM Disability Centre, staff from MARCH are assessing the prevalence and perceptions of obstetric fistula in South Sudan. This UNFPA-funded project has three parts: a survey using key informants to identify women with obstetric fistula to provide a prevalence estimate and identify major causes; a clinic review, to assess the current provision of services and accessibility; and qualitative interviews with fistula survivors and their communities to identify perceptions, attitudes and beliefs relating to obstetric fistula. The findings will be used to inform strategies in South Sudan to prevent and treat obstetric fistula. The key informants method is one used by the Disability Centre, whoproposed its use to address a maternal health issue.
Image shows women being trained as key informants

New guidelines for managing sickle cell disease in pregnancy


The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has published new guidelines, recommending multi-disciplinary specialist treatment of pregnant women with sickle cell disease. Written by recent LSHTM PhD graduate Eugene Oteng-Ntim, the guidelines are the first formal recommendation for the management of the 100-200 annual affected pregnancies in the UK.
RCOG SCD Guidelines