Enhancing Maternal Health Through Soccer: The FC Mother Initiative
In a groundbreaking effort to improve maternal health globally, a unique initiative is launching that combines the love of soccer with health advocacy. Established by former professional soccer player Morad Fareed, FC Mother aims to create a support network for expectant and new mothers, leveraging the passion surrounding football to promote better health outcomes.
Addressing Maternal Mortality with Sports
Maternal health remains a critical issue. According to the World Health Organization, over 700 women lose their lives daily due to preventable circumstances associated with pregnancy and childbirth. This alarming statistic highlights the necessity for innovative solutions in maternal healthcare, which community health workers, doctors, and public health officials are tirelessly attempting to address.
FC Mother proposes a novel approach by linking maternal health to the global soccer culture. Fareed believes that, by tapping into the emotional connection people have with their favorite teams, he can foster a community that improves health for mothers.
The Concept of H-Sports
The initiative introduces what Fareed terms "H-sports," short for healing sports. This concept seeks to unify the worlds of maternal health and soccer. Using the framework of football fandom, FC Mother encourages mothers to engage with health resources and celebrate their shared experiences.
To kick off the initiative, the organization has introduced an event called the "World Cup of Healing." This friendly competition tracks the health outcomes of mothers based on their involvement in soccer. Participants will have access to services via the FC Mother platform and will complete regular surveys to monitor their wellbeing, which will influence their respective teams’ performance in the competition.
Collaboration with Renowned Institutions
FC Mother has gained significant support from institutions like Harvard Medical School and Harvard’s School of Public Health, alongside team medical professionals from top clubs such as Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Arsenal FC. This collaboration underscores the initiative’s credibility and its potential impact on maternal health.
The Inaugural Competition
Launching in conjunction with Mother’s Day, the initial competition spans 60 days, culminating in the FIFA Club World Cup Final in July. It features teams from three Brazilian soccer clubs and their respective fanbases of mothers—pitting them against teams from the United States, including Mothers of San Diego FC, Mothers of Gotham FC, and Mothers of Omaha Union.
The competition relies on data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, which ranks countries based on maternal health outcomes. Notably, the United States ranks 44th among developed nations in this category due to significant health challenges related to maternal care.
Leadership and Goals
Team USA’s competition is led by Jennie Joseph, the founder of Commonsense Childbirth, recognized for her exceptional work in midwifery and improving maternal mortality rates. FC Mother aims to gamify the experience of community maternal health and prove that involvement in sports can enhance quality-adjusted life years (QUALYs) for mothers and their children.
A QUALY measures one year in perfect health and reflects mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. It is a tool used by various public health organizations to assess health improvement.
The Role of Community
While FC Mother does not replace medical treatments, it emphasizes the importance of community in maternal health. Research suggests that strong social support and focus on perinatal mental health can add up to 10 more years of quality life for mothers and their children. This shift in approach signifies a broader understanding of the social determinants of health—acknowledging that daily interactions and community engagement significantly influence mental and emotional health.
Engaging Users Through Technology
Like traditional sports, FC Mother maintains a competitive leaderboard that highlights statistics for participating teams. Additionally, it offers integrated features that connect mothers for peer support through the FC Mother app or platforms like WhatsApp, enhancing the sense of community.
A Sustainable Future
Importantly, FC Mother is a for-profit venture, aiming to attract investment from corporations, professional sports organizations, and philanthropic entities. The initiative intends to demonstrate its efficacy during its trial competition, ultimately planning to involve 40 soccer clubs in a maternal health competition during the 2026 World Cup.
In conclusion, FC Mother represents an innovative blend of sports and healthcare, rallying communities around the crucial issue of maternal health, with the aim of effecting real change through collective action and support.
