Postpartum hemorrhage contributes to 20% of all deaths of women during childbirth. In low- and middle-income countries, many health care providers must visually estimate blood loss, which means postpartum hemorrhage is often identified too late. And when it is, critical prevention and treatment drugs are often unavailable, of sub-standard quality, or lack the trained personnel needed to administer the medicines. Additionally, many women still give birth without the support of a skilled birth attendant and are far from a health center where they can get emergency care if they need it.

Though often available in low- and middle-income countries, tranexamic acid must be given intravenously. This more complex delivery method poses challenges for many health care centers that lack the necessary infrastructure or trained staff.

With Unitaid’s support, the TRANSFORM project is evaluating if tranexamic acid is as effective when given as a simple intramuscular injection. If successful, the treatment could be offered more widely at lower levels of the healthcare system where most people seek care.

In addition to clinical research that could make postpartum hemorrhage treatment available in more health care settings, we are working to catalyze uptake of the drug alongside other critical detection and treatment tools to ensure safe births in low- and middle-income countries.