Maternal mortality remains a global health crisis, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Whileantenatal screening is essential, it cannot predict most obstetric emergencies. This articleexamines Emergency Obstetric Care (EmOC) as a critical health system intervention. Byanalyzing the "Three Delays" model and the nine "Signal Functions" of care, the author arguesthat institutionalizing functional EmOC is the most effective strategy for reducing maternal andneonatal morbidity and mortality.