UNICEF data reveals a concerning slowdown in reducing maternal mortality, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and conflict zones
OdishaPlus Bureau
Recent findings from the report titled ‘Trends in Maternal Mortality 2000 to 2023’ indicate a troubling deceleration in the reduction of maternal deaths in recent years. Since 2016, the global maternal mortality ratio (MMR) has experienced only a modest decline of 1.5 percent annually.
This report, compiled by the United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group—which includes UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO, the World Bank Group, and the United Nations Population Division—monitors maternal mortality trends at national, regional, and global levels over the past two decades.
In 2023, approximately 260,000 women lost their lives due to complications arising from pregnancy or childbirth, translating to one death every two minutes. Although this marks a 40 percent reduction since the year 2000, the global MMR still stands at 197 deaths per 100,000 live births, which is nearly three times the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of 70 by 2030. Alarmingly, 70 percent of maternal deaths occurred in sub-Saharan Africa, where ongoing conflicts and fragile health systems further deteriorate health outcomes.
In regions affected by conflict or institutional instability, maternal mortality ratios are over five times higher than those in stable areas. These distressing statistics highlight the critical need for renewed investment and commitment to ensuring universal access to high-quality maternal health care, particularly in the most vulnerable environments.
The report concludes: ‘Now is the time for coordinated global, regional, national and community action to reach global maternal health targets. With less than half of the SDG period remaining, whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches are urgently needed to accelerate progress towards SDG target 3.1 and related SDG commitments. Achieving the almost 15% annual rate of reduction in MMR required to meet the SDG target 3.1 and avert an estimated 700 000 maternal deaths between 2024 and 2030 presents an unprecedented challenge. Rapid action is needed to safeguard maternal health and end the tragedy of maternal mortality. Women have the right to not only survive pregnancy but thrive in good health.’
