Global Maternal Mortality

Global Maternal Mortality: In 2020, approximately 800 women died daily from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth, equating to one death every two minutes, as per the WHO Report.

• About Maternal Mortality: It refers to the death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days of termination, from causes related to or aggravated by pregnancy or its management, not accidental.
• Leading Causes: Haemorrhage (severe heavy bleeding) — 27% of maternal deaths & Hypertensive disorders (e.g., pre-eclampsia) — 16% of maternal deaths.
• • Regional Variation: Highest haemorrhage-related deaths - Sub-Saharan Africa (28%), Western Asia and Northern Africa (29%), Australia and New Zealand (15%)
  • Hypertensive disorders: Most prevalent in Latin America and the Caribbean.
  • Global Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR): 223 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020.
  • Target: SDG 3.1 aims to reduce MMR to below 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.

  o 95% of maternal deaths occurred in low and lower-middle-income countries in 2020 — most were preventable.

  • About WHO: Founded in 1948.

  o Role: UN agency that promotes health, ensures global safety, and serves vulnerable populations.

  o Initiatives: In 2024, WHO launched a global roadmap for postpartum haemorrhage with key priorities to reduce maternal deaths.