Maternal Mortality Rate, 2025

The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with UNICEF, UNFPA, the World Bank Group, and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), released the report titled "Trends in Maternal Mortality 2000 to 2023" on April 7, 2025. This comprehensive document provides an analysis of global, regional, and country-level estimates and trends in maternal mortality over the 23-year period.

Key Findings

  • Global Reduction in Maternal Mortality: Between 2000 and 2023, the global maternal mortality ratio (MMR) declined by approximately 40%, decreasing from 328 to 197 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. This reduction is largely attributed to improved access to essential health services.
  • Recent Slowdown in Progress: Despite significant progress in earlier years, the report indicates a notable deceleration in the reduction of maternal deaths since 2016. In 2023, an estimated 260,000 women died from pregnancy-related causes, equating to one maternal death every two minutes.
  • Regional Disparities: Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for approximately 70% of global maternal deaths in 2023, highlighting significant regional inequalities. For instance, countries like Chad and the Central African Republic reported lifetime maternal mortality risks as high as 1 in 24.
  • Impact of Humanitarian Crises: The report emphasizes that nearly two-thirds of all maternal deaths occur in fragile and conflict-affected regions, where health systems are often disrupted, exacerbating risks for pregnant women.
  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target: The current global MMR of 197 deaths per 100,000 live births remains significantly higher than the SDG target of reducing maternal mortality to less than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. Achieving this goal requires a substantial acceleration in the rate of reduction.
Maternal Mortality Rate, 2025

Southern States in MMR

  • Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are in better position in the south Indian states.
  • In Telangana MMR has reduced from 92 in 2014-16 to 43 in 2018-20. In Andhra Pradesh MMR has reduced from 74 in 2014-16 to 45 in 2018-20.
  • According to the “Special Bulletin on Maternal Mortality in India 2018-20” released by the Indian government Kerala stands first in reducing the MMR among the Southern states. It is 19 in Kerala. Then followed by Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Challenges Highlighted

  • Slowing Progress: Since 2016, the annual rate of reduction in global MMR has slowed to 1.5%, far below the 15% annual decline required to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of fewer than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.
  • Funding Cuts: Recent reductions in international aid have led to the closure of health facilities, loss of healthcare workers, and disruptions in supply chains for life-saving medicines, particularly affecting maternal, newborn, and child health services.

Recommendations

  • The report underscores the necessity for increased investment in healthcare systems, particularly in training and deploying skilled health professionals.
  • It also calls for enhanced access to quality maternal health services, especially in regions affected by conflict and instability.
  • Addressing socioeconomic and geographic disparities is deemed crucial to prevent further stagnation or reversal of progress in maternal health outcomes.