Maternal mortality remains a critical global health issue, with over 260,000 women dying during or after pregnancy in 2023. The majority of these deaths, around 92%, occurred in low- and lower-middle-income countries, emphasizing the stark disparities in healthcare access and quality. Sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia bore the brunt of these fatalities, accounting for 87% of global maternal deaths in 2023.
Despite these alarming statistics, there have been significant strides in reducing maternal mortality ratios (MMR) globally. Between 2000 and 2023, eastern Europe and southern Asia achieved the most substantial reductions in MMR, signaling progress in maternal healthcare outcomes. It is evident that access to skilled health professionals before, during, and after childbirth is crucial in saving the lives of both women and newborns.
Complications during pregnancy and childbirth, such as severe bleeding, infections, and high blood pressure, are among the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide. The majority of these complications are preventable or treatable with timely and quality healthcare interventions. Ensuring access to contraception, safe abortion services, and skilled healthcare providers is essential in averting maternal deaths.
However, disparities persist in healthcare access, with women in low-income countries facing a significantly higher lifetime risk of maternal death compared to those in high-income countries. Factors such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure, shortages of medical supplies, and social determinants contribute to the barriers preventing women from receiving essential maternal healthcare services.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed additional challenges to maternal health, leading to a temporary rise in maternal mortality rates in 2021. Disruptions to healthcare services and indirect obstetric deaths due to the virus exacerbated the situation. Nonetheless, the global community, under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), is committed to reducing maternal mortality rates and ensuring universal access to quality maternal healthcare by 2030.
WHO plays a pivotal role in advancing maternal health globally by providing evidence-based guidance, setting standards, and supporting countries in implementing effective maternal health programs. Addressing inequalities in healthcare access, ensuring universal health coverage, and strengthening health systems are key focus areas in WHO’s efforts to reduce maternal mortality.
As the world strives to meet the SDG target of reducing maternal mortality rates, concerted efforts are required at all levels to address the systemic challenges hindering maternal healthcare access and quality. By prioritizing maternal health, improving healthcare infrastructure, and fostering accountability, preventable maternal deaths can be significantly reduced, safeguarding the well-being of women worldwide.
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