While recognition is considered very important, the most important purpose of this award is to stimulate replication of programs which improve access and quality of maternal health care, as well as improve pregnancy outcomes, through sharing of solutions and lessons learned. Recognition will be further highlighted through press releases and description of the awardee's programs in Safe Motherhood Initiatives-USA partners' publications. A subgroup of panel members will first screen applications to assess their achievement of the essential criteria. Then applications will be assessed for achievement of desirable criteria. Decision will be made by consensus of the selection panel, ensuring that models selected represent a variety of providers, programs, and geographic locations.
Decisions are final.
Applications which are unsuccessful may be resubmitted in the following year.