The Maternal and Newborn Health Research and Advocacy Fund (RAF) is a 5 year programme with an ambitious aim to help put Pakistan on track for MDG 4 and 5. Pakistan has the sixth highest maternal mortality rate in the world. Without significant improvement in maternal and newborn health (MNH) in Pakistan it will be impossible to reach global targets for MDGs 4 and 5.

The Maternal and Newborn Health Research and Advocacy Fund (RAF) is a five year national programme funded by Department for International Development (DFID) and Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and managed by a consortium led by the British Council.

RAF aims to influence pro-poor policy and practice change related to MNH through research based advocacy. RAF has already undertaken three rounds of proposals, and is in the process of announcing the fourth round.