Global Maternal Mortality Rates Show Alarming Persistence, Reports WHO
Approximately one woman dies every two minutes during pregnancy or childbirth, reflecting ongoing health challenges.
A report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other United Nations bodies has revealed that complications related to pregnancy and childbirth resulted in the death of approximately one woman every two minutes in 2023. This statistic translates to an estimated 260,000 maternal deaths occurring worldwide annually.
The report highlights a significant reduction in maternal mortality rates, indicating a 40% decline from 2000 to 2023, primarily attributed to improved access to essential health services.
However, the WHO has warned that progress has significantly slowed since 2016.
Funding cuts for humanitarian assistance have severely impacted healthcare services in numerous regions, compelling nations to retract vital maternal, neonatal, and child health services.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, emphasized the necessity of not only ensuring access to quality maternal health care but also enhancing women’s and girls’ sexual and reproductive health rights.
He stated, "While this report provides a glimmer of hope, the data also underscores how perilous pregnancy remains in many parts of the world, despite existing solutions to prevent and treat complications that account for the vast majority of maternal deaths."
One of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals aims to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio from 328 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to below 70 by 2030. The report outlines that achieving this target presents an unprecedented challenge.
It calls for urgent action to safeguard maternal health and to end the tragedy of maternal deaths, reinforcing that women have the right to not only survive pregnancy but also live in good health.
The report highlights a significant reduction in maternal mortality rates, indicating a 40% decline from 2000 to 2023, primarily attributed to improved access to essential health services.
However, the WHO has warned that progress has significantly slowed since 2016.
Funding cuts for humanitarian assistance have severely impacted healthcare services in numerous regions, compelling nations to retract vital maternal, neonatal, and child health services.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, emphasized the necessity of not only ensuring access to quality maternal health care but also enhancing women’s and girls’ sexual and reproductive health rights.
He stated, "While this report provides a glimmer of hope, the data also underscores how perilous pregnancy remains in many parts of the world, despite existing solutions to prevent and treat complications that account for the vast majority of maternal deaths."
One of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals aims to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio from 328 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to below 70 by 2030. The report outlines that achieving this target presents an unprecedented challenge.
It calls for urgent action to safeguard maternal health and to end the tragedy of maternal deaths, reinforcing that women have the right to not only survive pregnancy but also live in good health.
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