Improving Black Maternal Health: A Global Research Initiative  

An exciting new collaboration is underway between the Reach Alliance and Howard University, one of the most prominent historically Black universities in the United States. Howard University student researchers Zoey Hall, Madison Winfield, Josephine Agbakpe-Kafui, Davynn Agormeda, and faculty mentor Dr. Amy Yeboah Quarkume are working on a critical case study aimed at improving Black maternal health. The report, “Improving Black Maternal Health: A Holistic Approach in the US and Ghana,” will explore how a comprehensive approach—that includes policy reform, technological innovation, mental health support, and the integration of traditional practices—can help address disparities in maternal health outcomes for Black women. The research spans both the United States and Ghana, recognizing the common challenges that Black women face in diverse cultural and political contexts. 

This research comes at a crucial time: maternal health disparities in the US are at the forefront of national discussions and Black women are disproportionately affected by maternal health complications. In 2023, the maternal mortality rate for Black women was 50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, significantly higher than rates for White (14.5), Hispanic (12.4), and Asian (10.7) women. From systemic inequities in healthcare access to the lack of culturally competent care, the health of Black mothers has been an ongoing issue that needs immediate attention. For a deeper dive, you can explore this article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Josephine Agbakpe-Kafui emphasizes how the team’s diverse backgrounds allow them to examine Black maternal health from multiple angles, focusing on technology, policy, infrastructure, and psychology as they aim to inspire real, transformative change. 

Davynn Agormeda shares how, “being part of the first Reach research team at Howard means I’m part of something new and impactful, helping to shape its foundation. It’s a chance to do meaningful research, contribute to real change, and set the standard for what comes next.” 

Recently, Howard University, a pillar of excellence in higher education, has become the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to earn the prestigious Research One (R1) Carnegie Classification. This status not only highlights Howard’s academic rigour but also emphasizes the importance of the student-led research conducted in collaboration with the Reach Alliance, particularly when it comes to critical issues like Black maternal health. 

Dr. Amy Yeboah Quarkume, professor at Howard’s Center for Applied Data Science and Analytics, shares that “the Reach Alliance is truly a global partnership network, which allows us to think about how we tackle issues in DC, where Howard is, but also in Guatemala and Ghana and other places. Seeing and hearing how others are grappling with the same problems makes one feel as though we can go far if we work together.” 

The student researchers are proposing research grounded in innovation, collaboration, and a shared global vision for improving lives. Zoey Hall, for example, emphasizes the significance of her participation at the 2024 Reach Conference held in Toronto. She reflected on how, “electric the energy in the room was. This experience grounded me in my own research process. Our goal is simple: to start a conversation about Black maternal health and connect with those who care and can make a difference.” 

Joining the global Reach Alliance cohort also provides opportunities for the Howard team, including joining the 2025 Reach Alliance Delegation to the AFS Youth Assembly in New York City this August. Madison Winfield told us that she is “most looking forward to working with others from different countries and seeing the different ways teams have conducted their research.” 

As the United States grapples with political polarization and a changing healthcare system, Black women remain at risk. The current political landscape has made the fight for health equity even more urgent. The Howard University Reach team is not only contributing to critical research on Black maternal health but also paving the way for a future where all women can have access to the care and support they deserve.