This is according to a report released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other UN bodies on Thursday.
The death rate in mothers and during childbirth has improved over the past 20 years, but in recent years, the number has remained stagnant or even increased in some regions.
What is the Extent of Maternal Mortality?
In 2020, it was estimated that 287,000 women globally died due to maternal causes. This translates to nearly 800 maternal deaths every day or one every two minutes.
Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for about 70 per cent of global maternal deaths, followed by Central and Southern Asia, which accounted for about 17 per cent.
Who is Most Affected?
The situation is particularly dire in poorer regions and in conflict-ridden countries, with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic yet to be seen in the data.
As Catherine Russell, executive director of the UN children’s fund UNICEF explains, “No mother should have to fear for her life while bringing a baby into the world, especially when the knowledge and tools to treat common complications exist.”
What Causes Maternal Deaths?
The causes of maternal deaths are mainly preventable, such as heavy bleeding, high blood pressure, unsafe abortions, or diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria.
WHO director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus pointed out in the report’s foreword that “nearly every death is in low- and middle-income countries and nearly every death is preventable.”
What are the Solutions?
The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) is to reduce the number of maternal deaths from 339 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to less than 70 by 2030.
In 2020 the mortality rate stood at 223.
To achieve this, the report suggests increasing the coverage of quality healthcare and improving women’s ability to make decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health.
(dpa/NAN)