Day three of IMNHC 2026 was marked by energy, exchange, and a deepening sense of shared purpose. From country-led innovation to evidence on life-saving interventions and powerful reflections on respectful, inclusive care, the day underscored both how far the field has come and the urgency of sustaining momentum.

One of the standout moments was the Country Showcase, which brought together 40 country delegations to share progress, challenges, and solutions from their unique contexts. The session created a vibrant space for connection, where the room was filled with energy, curiosity, and deep engagement as participants exchanged strategies on improving antenatal care, strengthening data systems, and reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. Delegates embraced the opportunity not just to present, but to learn from one another—highlighting how cross-country exchange can accelerate progress.

In just two hours, the breadth of innovation and impact was striking—from Malawi’s high-level government commitment to newborn health, including a rare opportunity to present at the State House, to Pakistan’s reported 97% reduction in severe postpartum hemorrhage in areas using the calibrated drape. Countries highlighted diverse strengths, from Somalia’s leadership in midwifery development to Zimbabwe’s use of data for programming and Uganda’s nationwide maternal and newborn death audits. Perhaps the clearest sign of the showcase’s success was the spontaneous exchange of contacts, as delegates sought to continue learning from one another beyond the session—reinforcing the power of peer learning and collective momentum.

The E-MOTIVE session provided an important update on one of the field’s most promising interventions to address postpartum hemorrhage. Since its launch at IMNHC 2023, the E-MOTIVE bundle has moved beyond the pilot phase and is now demonstrating a replicable and sustainable model for scale-up across diverse settings. A key highlight was the role of objective blood loss measurement using calibrated drapes, described as a game changer in results emerging from countries such as Ethiopia and Malawi. At the same time, the session emphasized that implementation success depends on more than just introducing a tool—drug quality cannot be assumed, and sustained impact requires investment in quality-assured medicines, trained providers, engaged communities, and strong health systems. The message was clear: E-MOTIVE works and saves lives, but scaling it effectively will depend on continued commitment and system-wide strengthening.

Delegates also engaged in the Late-Breakers session, which showcased emerging evidence shaping the future of MNH. Presentations ranged from community-based follow-up models in Uganda that improve survival for vulnerable newborns after discharge, to innovative approaches for diagnosing and addressing supply chain bottlenecks across mixed health systems. Other research highlighted the growing impact of climate change, with evidence from Zimbabwe and South Africa showing how extreme heat affects health worker wellbeing and compromises respectful maternity care. The session concluded with an inspiring example from India, where midwives are leading advocacy and policy change through large-scale, participatory evidence generation.

Another critical contribution came from the APT-Sepsis trial in Malawi and Uganda, which demonstrated a 32% reduction in infection-related mortality and severe morbidity through early detection, prevention, and management of maternal sepsis. Both countries have sustained and scaled the intervention beyond the trial, providing valuable lessons for rapid adoption in other contexts. The session also emphasized WHO’s priority research questions to continue advancing maternal sepsis prevention and treatment globally.

The Share Fair further complemented the day’s themes, offering an interactive platform for participants to explore tools, innovations, and grassroots solutions in a more informal, hands-on environment. It provided yet another opportunity for connection, curiosity, and practical exchange across countries and organizations.

A particularly powerful and moving session focused on stillbirth and bereavement, emphasizing the importance of listening to and engaging bereaved families in shaping care models and clinical protocols. Speakers highlighted that including bereaved parents as decision-makers and advisors is not only beneficial for improving health systems, but also serves as a pathway for healing. By centering lived experiences, health systems can reduce stigma, challenge harmful narratives, and create more compassionate, supportive environments for families experiencing loss. The session reinforced that respectful, inclusive care must extend beyond clinical outcomes to address emotional and social dimensions of health—and that bereaved families have a critical role to play in driving meaningful change.

As IMNHC 2026 enters its final day, there is a strong sense of momentum and possibility. The conversations, connections, and commitments formed over the past three days have laid the groundwork for continued collaboration and action.