Savannah, GA — Dr. Miriam Rittmeyer, a global health expert and advocate for maternal and child health, has been appointed as a member of the Strategic Advisory Group on Maternal Mortality (SAG) for the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). This prestigious appointment recognizes Dr. Rittmeyer’s extensive experience and contributions to advancing maternal health equity and addressing systemic health challenges in underserved communities.

The Strategic Advisory Group (SAG) serves as a critical advisory body to PAHO, providing guidance on strategies to address the alarming maternal mortality rates in the Americas. Despite early progress, maternal mortality in the region has seen significant setbacks due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 9,000 women in the Americas die annually from preventable complications during pregnancy and childbirth, with the most vulnerable populations—Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and migrant women—disproportionately affected.

“It is an incredible honor to join PAHO’s Strategic Advisory Group on Maternal Mortality,” said Dr. Rittmeyer. “Throughout my career, I have witnessed the devastating impact of maternal mortality on families and communities, and I am committed to advancing solutions that prioritize equity and inclusion in maternal health.”

As a SAG member, Dr. Rittmeyer will provide strategic and technical guidance to help PAHO achieve the targets outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Global Strategy to End Preventable Maternal Mortality, and PAHO’s Plan of Action for Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescents’ Health (2018-2030).

A Career Dedicated to Maternal Health

Dr. Rittmeyer brings decades of experience to this role, having worked extensively with vulnerable populations in rural and underserved areas. Her work has focused on reducing maternal and child mortality through the empowerment of traditional midwives, strengthening healthcare systems, and fostering community-driven solutions.

Her dedication to improving access to reproductive health services and advancing health equity has shaped her career as both a practitioner and a global advocate. Dr. Rittmeyer’s contributions have included the development and implementation of programs designed to address disparities in the USA and Latin America in the areas of primary care and maternal health outcomes, particularly among Indigenous, vulnerable and and remote communities.

“Maternal mortality is not just a health issue—it is a reflection of the inequities faced by women worldwide,” said Dr. Rittmeyer. “Through collaboration and evidence-based interventions, we can save lives and create lasting change.”

About PAHO’s Strategic Advisory Group on Maternal Mortality

PAHO’s Strategic Advisory Group brings together experts from diverse disciplines to address maternal health challenges in the Americas. Members serve in their personal capacities, providing independent, evidence-based guidance on regional strategies, resource mobilization, and the implementation of equity-focused solutions to reduce maternal mortality.