07/31/2026
As we end the month of July, we reflect on the importance of putting patients at the heart of maternal healthcare research and intervention.
In a featured spotlight on equitable healthcare partnerships in the NWO (Dutch Research Council) magazine, Koiwah Koi-Larbi, Executive Director of Action on Preeclampsia Ghana (APECGH), emphasizes a vital message:
"For the right help, it is important that the patient is at the center and her voice is heard. In most research projects, funders or researchers from 'the North' determine what happens. In our approach, we are co-owners of the research and the results."
Through key collaborations like the SPOT Study alongside leading researchers Dr. Mary Amoakoh-Coleman and Dr. Hannah Brown-Amoakoh, patient advocate organizations are not just participating they are driving the agenda, shaping annual symposia, and ensuring equal partnerships between local communities, healthcare providers, and global researchers.
Key Takeaways:
- Patient-Centered Care: True health solutions start by listening to the lived experiences of women affected by preeclampsia and eclampsia.
- Co-Ownership in Research: Local organizations and patient groups must share equal ownership in research proposals, methodologies, and outcomes.
- Reciprocity & Equality: Bridging the gap between global researchers and local health advocates creates meaningful, long-lasting impacts for maternal health in Africa.
Together, we continue to push for maternal health systems where every woman's voice is heard, respected, and prioritized. 💙
