An innovative surveillance system that has contributed to a significant decline in maternal mortality in China has been awarded the 2025 APEC Healthy Women, Healthy Economies Research Prize, spotlighting the power of data to shape inclusive, evidence-based health policy across the region. Developed by Professor Jun Zhu of the National Maternal and Child Health Surveillance Office, National Health Commission of China, the project integrates population- and hospital-based data to guide domestic maternal health policy. "It is my hope that this system can inspire similar approaches in other APEC economies." The APEC Healthy Women, Healthy Economies Research Prize is sponsored by Merck and supports APEC’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusive growth through public-private partnerships. "At Merck, we are proud to have supported the APEC Healthy Women, Healthy Economies Research Prize for six consecutive years," said Boon Huey Ee, Vice President, Head of Global External Strategic Engagements and Partnership at Merck.