Preeclampsia Month ’26

A Global Movement Across Care, Community, and Research

Across May 2026, ISSHP members are leading initiatives that span clinical education, patient engagement, rural outreach, research dissemination, and public awareness campaigns. These efforts reflect the global and interdisciplinary nature of preeclampsia work, bringing together providers, patients, and communities.

A Message from ISSHP Leadership

A short message from ISSHP leadership reflecting on the importance of Preeclampsia Month and the global work being done to support awareness, education, and advocacy worldwide.

Global Initiatives in May 2026

ISSHP members and partners are leading awareness, education, research, and community-centered initiatives around the world throughout Preeclampsia Month.

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Brazil

National pre-hospital training initiative, awareness events, and healthcare education programs.

Explore Initiatives →

Maria Laura Costa

Representing: Brazilian Network of Studies in Hypertension During Pregnancy (RBEHG)


Visit RBEHG Website

Overview

The Brazilian Network of Studies in Hypertension During Pregnancy (RBEHG) is leading a month-long awareness initiative focused on education, training of health professionals, patient engagement, and policy-maker partnerships.

The initiative is called VIDA, meaning “Life” in Portuguese. The acronym stands for:

  • Surveillance
  • Identification
  • Diagnosis
  • Action

Aim

  • Implement training on preeclampsia diagnosis
  • Increase use of pre-hospital magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄)
  • Increase awareness among women and families

Overview of National Training Initiative

  • 1,458 healthcare professionals trained across 6 Brazilian states
  • Training included nurses, physicians, nursing technicians, and healthcare managers
  • Focus on low-cost and easily replicable healthcare education models
  • Addresses gaps in pre-hospital management of preeclampsia in LMIC settings

Month-long Initiatives

  • Hands-on sessions for measuring blood pressure
  • Educational activities focused on prevention and early care
  • Organized awareness walk on May 17
  • Breakfast and antenatal care education event at the University of Campinas on May 20
  • Online activity organized by RBEHG on May 22

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India

Webinars, patient-provider collaboration, rural outreach, and social media campaigns.

Explore Initiatives →

Dr. Revathi Soundararajan

Roles:

  • Secretary, SMFM(I)
  • Indian Co-Chair PEN(I)
  • Director, Special Interest Group – HDP/PE
  • Global Co-Chair, ISSHP

Location: India

Overview

A comprehensive, multi-pronged national and global strategy has been developed under the aegis of SMFM(I) to mark World Preeclampsia Month – May 2026. This initiative integrates education, outreach, research dissemination, and public engagement to expand awareness and improve clinical translation of evidence-based practices.

1. VLS-PE 2026–27 Webinar Series

This is the third global webinar series since 2021, designed to translate emerging research into accessible learning.

  • Launch Date: May 10, 2026
  • Theme: Long-term Cardiovascular Outcomes Following Preeclampsia
  • Format: Global virtual sessions, May 2026 – April 2027
  • Access: Free, streamed live on YouTube with ISSHP-hosted registration

VIRTUAL LEARNING SERIES ON PREECLAMPSIA – VLS PE Series 3, Episode 1

The series will feature:

  • ISSHP Executive and International Committee members
  • Multidisciplinary experts across India
  • International faculty including Prof. Anne Cathrine Staff

The goal is to create weekend-accessible learning spaces that bridge research and clinical implementation globally.

2. World Preeclampsia Day Program

A 90-minute virtual collaborative event bringing together patients, advocates, and providers.

Includes:

  • Patient experience sharing
  • Global advocacy participation
  • Expert discussion on the SMFM(I)–ISOM Preeclampsia textbook
  • Official launch of the PEN Biomarkers Initiative

3. Community Outreach Initiative (North Karnataka)

A rural-focused program developed in collaboration with the Family Planning Association of India, aimed at expanding access and early detection.

Activities include:

  • Distribution of blood pressure monitoring devices
  • Training local healthcare workers under the PEN(I) framework

This initiative directly addresses care access gaps and early detection challenges in underserved communities.

4. Social Media Awareness Campaign

Led by the SURAKSHA Special Interest Group, this campaign will utilize:

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube

Content will include:

  • Reels
  • Educational posts
  • Public awareness messaging

The focus is on making preeclampsia knowledge accessible and shareable across broader populations.

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Mississippi, USA

Month-long awareness campaign, educational programming, and community wellness initiatives.

Explore Initiatives →

Mississippi, USA

Dr. Babette LaMarca

Role: ISSHP Secretary
Location: Mississippi, USA

Overview

The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) is leading a comprehensive month-long awareness initiative, combining digital education, in-person engagement, and community-centered programming.

The initiative is designed to:

  • Promote awareness and prevention
  • Increase access to healthcare resources
  • Encourage dialogue around maternal health
  • Support early detection and intervention

Month-Long Initiative

“Fast Facts Fridays” Email Campaign

Theme: Fun Facts About Preeclampsia: Learn Something New Each Week

  • Distributed weekly via UMMC listserv
  • Each edition includes 5 key facts on:
    • Symptoms
    • Risk factors
    • Prevention
    • Maternal health insights

This campaign is designed as high-impact, digestible education that encourages ongoing awareness throughout the month.

In-Person Awareness Week, May 18–20, 2026

Day 1 — May 18

Kickoff Resource Fair
Theme: Know the Signs of Preeclampsia. Protect Every Pregnancy
Location: UMMC Wiser Hospital Front Entrance

Features:

  • Educational materials distribution
  • Preventative screening checklists
  • Healthcare professional engagement
  • Recruitment for Preeclampsia Collaborative Institute

Additional elements:

  • Wellness giveaways, including t-shirts, water bottles, and badge reels
  • Event scheduling resources

Day 2 — May 19

Women’s Health Seminar & Panel Discussion
Theme: Her Body, Her Knowledge: Understanding Preeclampsia
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: CW 106 Seminar Room

Panel includes:

  • OBGYN clinicians
  • Women’s health researchers

Discussion topics:

  • Signs and symptoms
  • Risk factors and prevention
  • Maternal health disparities
  • Nutrition and lifestyle
  • Prenatal care and blood pressure monitoring
  • Postpartum preeclampsia

Includes:

  • Q&A session
  • Educational materials
  • Community engagement

Day 3 — May 20

Community Collaboration & Wellness Walk
Theme: Steps for Safe Pregnancies
Location: Jackson Medical Mall / Wylie Evers Clinic

Activities:

  • Demonstrations on blood pressure monitoring
  • Preventative care education
  • Discussion on maternal health disparities
  • Guided awareness walk

This event emphasizes movement, visibility, and community participation in maternal health advocacy.

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Nebraska, USA

Clinical symposium and large-scale community awareness walk.

Explore Initiatives →

Dr. Sarosh Rana

Role: ISSHP President
Location: Nebraska, USA

Featured Events

1. HOPE-NE Symposium

📅 May 20, 2026
📍 University of Nebraska Medical Center

This symposium focuses on:

  • Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
  • Biomarkers and research advancements
  • Postpartum hypertension
  • Rural healthcare delivery
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration

👉 Learn more:

HOPE-NE Symposium

2. Nebraska Promise Walk for Preeclampsia

📅 May 9, 2026
📍 Omaha, Nebraska

This community-centered event includes:

  • One-mile awareness walk
  • Survivor and family stories
  • Local vendors and engagement activities
  • Music and raffles

👉 Register or learn more:

Nebraska Promise Walk for Preeclampsia

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Oslo, Norway

Educational meetings, new publications, international webinars, and social media awareness campaigns.

Explore Initiatives →

Dr. Annetine (Anne Cathrine) Staff

Role: ISSHP Vice President

Location: Oslo, Norway

Featured Events

1. New Publications launched in May 2026 related to the situation in Norway

  • Publication in the Journal of Pregnancy Hypertension regarding low implementation in Norway of recommended preventive postpartum cardiovascular follow-up after hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes.
    View Publication
  • Two publications in the Journal of the Norwegian Medical Association addressing:
    • The current use of a less precise screening program for evaluating aspirin prophylaxis
    • Low implementation of recommended postpartum cardiovascular follow-up after preeclampsia

2. Expert Updating Meeting

  • Educational morning meeting for obstetricians and midwives at Oslo University Hospital on May 22
  • Educational summaries of the preeclampsia situation in Norway and globally
  • Discussion of potential novel therapies for preterm preeclampsia
    Read Nature Medicine Article

3. International Webinar Participation

  • Professor Anne Cathrine Staff will deliver a web talk on May 10 through the PEN-I Global Virtual Sessions.
    Watch Webinar

4. Social Media Awareness Campaign

  • Educational posters in Norwegian and English summarizing preeclampsia awareness information
  • Republishing Professor Meryam Sugulle’s TED Talk on future maternal cardiovascular health.
    Watch TED Talk
  • Focus on making preeclampsia knowledge accessible and shareable across broader populations

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Sydney, Australia

Webinar and World Preeclampsia Day fundraising and awareness event.

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Professor Annemarie Hennessy AM
Amanda Davidson OAM

Role: ISSHP Members and Directors of Australian Pregnancy Hypertension Foundation Limited (APHFL)

Location: Australia

Featured Events

1. International Webinar on the Latest in Preeclampsia Research

📅 May 19, 2026
📍 Via Zoom through University of Sydney, NSW

This webinar by Professor Hennessy AM will present on:

  • Expansion of the ratio blood test
  • A new urine test
  • Novel treatments for preeclampsia
  • The link with cardiac and renal disease
  • Deciding about intervals between pregnancies

👉 Learn more:

View Webinar Information

2. Fundraising Event by APHFL at D’Lan Contemporary

📅 June 12, 2026
📍 Sydney, New South Wales

This community-centered event includes:

  • Presentations by Professor Hennessy AM and Memory Ngwiri

👉 Register or learn more:

www.preeclampsia.au

Explore More Preeclampsia Awareness Resources

Learn more about Preeclampsia Awareness Month and find additional resources from the Preeclampsia Foundation.


Visit the Preeclampsia Foundation →

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Moments from Preeclampsia Month ’26

Photos and highlights from events around the world will be added here throughout May. Please revisit this page throughout the month for new updates.

2nd Annual Omaha Promise Walk for Preeclampsia — May 9th.

  • Over 195 participants were present.
  • 13 vendors were featured, including your organization.
  • Dr. Rebecca Rimsza, MD, one of our MFM providers, spoke about preeclampsia, its impact, and that one day preeclampsia will be a household name.
  • We surpassed our fundraising goal of $8,000 by raising $8,677, and donations are still coming in!

ISSHP members participated in the WHO Summit.


View summit information →

Our team who has worked to implement STAMPP-HTN at Nebraska Medicine.

Dr. Neil Hamill, MFM Provider, hosted his first PULSE training, the Program for Ultrasound Learning and Sonographic Education. This consisted of a weeklong hands-on program led by Dr. Hamill, including 1:1 scanning and daily didactics. There were 10 residents this time, along with 2 additional rural hospital sonographers.


May 20th

Our Inaugural HOPE-NE Symposium

The inaugural HOPE-NE (Hypertension in Obstetrics: Prevention & Education – Nebraska) Symposium was successfully held on May 20, 2026, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) campus in Omaha, Nebraska. The first annual symposium welcomed 109 registered participants from across Nebraska and neighboring South Dakota, including attendees from Omaha, Lincoln, Hastings, McCook, and several surrounding rural communities.

The interdisciplinary audience included physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, residents, medical students, and other maternal health clinicians dedicated to improving outcomes in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP).

HOPE-NE was created to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, education, and innovation aimed at improving maternal health outcomes throughout Nebraska and rural communities. The strong attendance and engagement highlighted the growing commitment to advancing equitable and evidence-based care for patients affected by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

The symposium featured an outstanding lineup of national and regional speakers who provided a comprehensive overview of current research, clinical management, implementation science, and future directions in HDP care. Sessions explored mechanisms and biomarkers of preeclampsia, severe hypertension management during pregnancy, implementation of the STAMPP-HTN postpartum hypertension program, rural health perspectives, cardiovascular dysfunction in pregnancy and the peripartum period, and emerging basic science innovations including targeted placental drug delivery and novel therapeutics.

The program also included concurrent hands-on nursing education focused on clinical management of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. The symposium was made possible through the support of our sponsors, including Thermo Fisher Scientific, Gravidas, and Comanche Biopharma.

Plans are already underway for the 2027 HOPE-NE Symposium, which will be hosted in Kearney, Nebraska, and will expand hands-on learning opportunities with additional nursing and obstetric ultrasound training workshops.

Preeclampsia International Research Unit

Dr Cathy Cluver and Dr Lina Bergman
Role: ISSHP Global Members, Guideline Group, and organizers of the ISSHP World Conference 2027
Location: Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa and University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden

Featured Events

Publication Alerts in May
  • ICE study: Improving characterization of Eclampsia
    Publication in PLoS Medicine. A two-country cohort from South Africa and Pakistan of women with eclampsia and preeclampsia presented 10 novel symptoms for eclampsia, outperforming currently used clinical signs and symptoms.
  • Prediction of organ complications in women with preeclampsia
    In a Swedish cohort of women with preeclampsia, the angiogenic biomarkers sFlt-1 and PlGF were poor prognostic markers for organ complications in preeclampsia. These biomarkers should be further investigated in LMIC where severe complications are common. A future study from South Africa with 2,000 women with preeclampsia is currently under analysis.
  • Cerebral autoregulation in preeclampsia
    In a Swedish two-center cohort of women with preeclampsia, cerebral autoregulation was lower in preeclampsia during pregnancy compared to pregnant normotensive controls. One year postpartum, cerebral autoregulation was similar between groups. This points toward an enhanced cerebral autoregulation in normotensive pregnancies that does not occur in preeclampsia.
International Meetings in May
  • Dr Cluver and Dr Bergman participated in the WHO/HRP/ICM Preeclampsia Summit Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, setting the Global Roadmap for priorities in preeclampsia research and implementation.
  • Dr Cluver presented a lecture for the Fetal Medicine Foundation lecture series on therapeutics to prevent and treat preeclampsia.
  • Dr Bergman lectured at the Danish Society of Cardiology course in pregnancy and long-term maternal health in Copenhagen, Denmark, May 27–28.
World Preeclampsia Day
  • Dr Cluver presented at the FMF World Preeclampsia Day Seminar, which highlighted Africa. She presented on expectant management of preeclampsia.
  • Dr Bergman presented the ICE study together with first author Roxanne Hastie at the APEC World Preeclampsia Seminars.
PhD Defense

Valentina Bucher, PhD student, defended her thesis on Prediction and Identification of Cerebral Complications in Preeclampsia: A Translational Journey from Mothers to Rats. The thesis shows that there are no reliable and clinically useful predictors for organ complications in preeclampsia, including eclampsia; women with eclampsia suffer from severe neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier disruption, a picture similar to traumatic brain injury; and an animal model of preeclampsia shows that astrocytes and glutamate-glutamine synthesis may play an important role in seizure development in preeclampsia.


Check Back Often for Updates!

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Share Your Initiative

Are you an ISSHP member organizing an event, campaign, or initiative for Preeclampsia Month?
We would love to highlight your work.


Submit Your Initiative