Stellenbosch 肆客足球's (SU) Professor Doreen Kaura is one of only 25 global experts selected to develop maternal health norms for a World Health Organisation (WHO) Task Team that aims to set international standards and guidelines for maternal healthcare.
Kaura is the head of Midwifery and Neonatal Health at Department of Nursing at SU's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Role and responsibilities
As a maternal health norms expert, Kaura's role involves contributing to the development of evidence-based policies, guidelines, and practices that ensure safe, equitable, and high-quality maternal healthcare worldwide. She will collaborate with other experts to review and synthesize global research, share insights from her extensive field experience, and recommend strategies to address critical maternal health challenges, including disparities in access to care and outcomes.
“This appointment entails not only providing technical expertise but also championing the voices of women and healthcare providers to ensure that the norms reflect diverse contexts and needs," explained Kaura.
Excellence in maternal health
Kaura's appointment to this role is a testament to her distinguished career in maternal and neonatal health. With over two decades of experience, she has consistently advanced the field of midwifery and maternal care through her academic work, research, and advocacy.
Her contributions include leading projects that address gender equity in healthcare, promoting disability-inclusive maternal and neonatal services, and advocating for the integration of primary care in maternal health to enhance continuity and coordination. As a co-investigator on high-impact projects, such as 'Gender Equity in Health: Empowering Women through Policy and Practice', Kaura has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for women and newborns.
A significant recognition
Speaking on her appointment, Kaura remarked: “It is an incredible honour to be entrusted with this responsibility. Being part of a global team shaping the future of maternal health is both humbling and empowering. It reflects not only my personal journey but also the collective efforts of the healthcare professionals and researchers who have supported and inspired me."
Bringing a vision to the table
Kaura's vision for her role is rooted in inclusivity and innovation. She aims to bring the unique perspectives of African healthcare systems to the global stage while advocating for context-specific solutions that prioritise equity and sustainability. “I hope to contribute insights on how technology, policy integration, and capacity building can be leveraged to address systemic barriers in maternal healthcare," she shared.
Her ultimate goal is to ensure that the norms developed by the WHO Task Team translate into meaningful improvements in maternal health outcomes, particularly for marginalised and underserved populations.?
?
