This work was conducted under the 2022–2025 UNFPA Regional Programme for Asia-Pacific, supporting the implementation of the geographic component of UNFPA’s Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) prioritization exercise. The initiative aims to strengthen evidence-based maternal and newborn health planning by integrating GIS-based analysis into service prioritization and decision-making processes.

As part of this programme, GroupMappers contributed to support the operationalization of EmONC GIS methods and analytical workflows. The work included conducting and documenting preliminary assessments in selected countries including Cambodia, Lao PDR, Nepal, and Timor-Leste, as well as supporting a feasibility study for Afghanistan. These assessments focused on reviewing data availability, identifying technical and operational gaps, and supporting readiness for applying geospatial approaches in maternal health planning.

The assignment also supported the understanding and application of the technical process used to operationalize the EmONC prioritization methodology and contributed to strengthening the measurement approach for relevant EPMM (Ending Preventable Maternal Mortality) target indicators. Overall, the contribution supported UNFPA’s efforts to strengthen regional GIS capacity and improve maternal and newborn health service prioritization through structured geospatial evidence.