Professor Elard Koch, an epidemiologist at the MELISA Institute, shared a scientific and humanistic perspective on improving maternal and fetal health from the earliest stages of pregnancy at the School of Bioethics.
On March 10, 2025, Universidad Anáhuac México North Campus hosted the Inaugural Lecture entitled “Epidemiological and Biotechnological Applications in Maternal Health and Ultra-Early Embryonic Development,” taught by Professor Elard Koch, Ph.D., senior epidemiologist at the MELISA Institute.
This event offered the academic community a profound opportunity to reflect on the impact of scientific research on the health of pregnant women and their children's development from the earliest stages.
During his presentation, Professor Koch presented a comprehensive overview of how epidemiological methods allow for large-scale studies of maternal health, especially in contexts where direct experimental trials are not possible. In these cases, he explained, natural population experiments are used, comparing groups exposed and unexposed to certain risk factors, such as violence during pregnancy, high-risk pregnancies, or postponing childbearing for social and economic reasons.
In parallel, the latest biotechnological applications were discussed, which are enabling a more precise understanding of embryonic development from the earliest stages, paving the way for more effective interventions to improve maternal health and perinatal outcomes. In this regard, Professor Koch emphasized the need to use scientific evidence to refute myths, identify risk factors, and develop prevention strategies.
He also called for improved quality of care for pregnant women and emphasized the importance of transparency in the management of public resources for maternal health in order to ensure the equity and effectiveness of implemented policies.
The lecture concluded with a reflection on the crucial role of science in evaluating and reorienting public policies aimed at reducing maternal mortality and promoting the well-being of women and their children from the beginning of life.
You can watch the session here
Starts at minute 00:10:44
More information:
MPSS Ana Sofía García Hazas
MPSS Camile Bertrand Carpio
Facultad de Bioética
bioética@anahuac.mx
