The global maternal mortality ratio declined by an average of just 2.2% per year between 2000 and 2023-seven times slower than required to meet the Sustainable Development Goal of fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030, according to a WHO expert speaking at the 79th World Health Assembly.
Dr. Jenny Cresswell, from WHO’s Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, said the world is “not on track” and has a “long way to go” to reach the target.
Around two-thirds of all maternal deaths occur in conflict and fragile settings. During the Assembly, delegates adopted a draft decision highlighting the war’s impact on health services in Lebanon, including maternal and child care, and expressed concern over shortages of essential medicines.
Cresswell noted that regions most affected by conflict or social fragility suffer the highest maternal death rates. Disruptions to health systems, staff, and infrastructure make effective care difficult to deliver.
Nearly all maternal deaths are preventable. The leading global cause is hemorrhage, followed by indirect deaths from pre-existing health conditions.
Cresswell called for renewed government commitments to fund maternal health programs and for a broader focus on sexual and reproductive health, including contraception access and reducing unsafe abortion.