Across the Asia-Pacific region (East Asia and Pacific and South Asia), there are approximately 1.1 million maternal and child deaths each year, yet most of these are preventable, according to UN data. Over the past two decades, these regions experienced about a 3-fold reduction in mortality rates for children under age five. Maternal mortality rates also dropped significantly: South Asia achieved almost a 3.5-fold reduction in maternal mortality while rates fell by almost half in East Asia and the Pacific. Yet progress has slowed in recent years in the wake of multiple health, economic, and climate shocks.

The GFF partners with low- and middle-income countries to address these shocks. By scaling up access to quality, affordable care, advancing women’s health and promoting healthy pregnancy, early childhood, and adolescence, countries can build resilience, unlock opportunities for job creation and economic growth, reduce poverty, and promote prosperity.

To date, GFF partner countries in the region have included Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Vietnam. Under revised eligibility criteria as of January 2026, Cambodia, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor Leste will be eligible for support from the GFF (resources permitting).