Maternal deaths remain high in low-income regions

A new study by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that maternal deaths continue to be a serious issue worldwide, despite advancements in healthcare. The study identifies hemorrhage and hypertensive disorders, like preeclampsia, as the top causes of these deaths. In 2020, around 287,000 women died from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, which averages to one death every two minutes. The WHO emphasizes that many of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where access to healthcare is often limited. The findings come as the world struggles to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of reducing maternal deaths to fewer than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. The global maternal mortality rate stands at 223 deaths per 100,000 live births. This figure is calculated from deaths during pregnancy or up to 42 days after, from causes related to or worsened by pregnancy. The study showed that 95% of maternal deaths are occurring in vulnerable healthcare settings, highlighting stark geographic disparities. Authorities stress the importance of understanding the reasons behind these deaths to improve maternal health services. Pascale Allotey from WHO pointed out that women everywhere should have access to quality healthcare before, during, and after childbirth. This includes managing health conditions that can affect their pregnancy. The study categorized maternal deaths into several groups. Hemorrhage is responsible for 27% of deaths, followed by indirect causes (23%) and hypertensive disorders (16%). Complications from abortion and infections also contribute to the mortality rate. Regional differences in the causes of maternal deaths were significant. For instance, in West Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, hemorrhage accounts for a higher percentage of maternal deaths compared to regions like Australia or Europe. In Latin America, hypertensive disorders are the leading cause. The study noted that simply increasing the number of women delivering in healthcare facilities has not been enough to lower these death rates. Additionally, the presence of other health issues, like chronic diseases, can increase risks during pregnancy. Thus, multiple interconnected factors contribute to maternal mortality. The researchers called for more studies on this issue, especially regarding maternal suicide, which has not been well documented globally. Overall, there is a pressing need for better healthcare access and quality to protect mothers during and after childbirth.