The United Nations has raised alarms over the recent reductions in global health funding, warning that these cuts could undo decades of progress in reducing maternal mortality. A new report marks World Health Day and shows that although fewer women are dying during pregnancy and childbirth than in the early 2000s, there is still much work to be done.
The UN’s report, released on Sunday, reveals that maternal deaths have decreased by 40% worldwide from 2000 to 2023, thanks to better access to healthcare. However, progress has stalled since 2016, with an estimated 260,000 women still dying from pregnancy-related causes in 2023—approximately one death every two minutes.
The report, Trends in Maternal Mortality, was jointly published by the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, UNFPA, and the World Bank. It also raised concerns over significant funding cuts that are forcing some countries to scale back vital services for pregnant women, newborns, and children.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus emphasized, “While this report shows some progress, it also highlights the dangers of pregnancy in much of the world, despite the existence of solutions to prevent and treat the majority of maternal deaths.” He also stressed the need to ensure women and girls have access to quality maternity care and robust reproductive rights.
The report further sheds light on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal health. In 2021, maternal deaths surged by 40,000, increasing the total to 322,000 from the previous year. The pandemic not only directly caused complications but also disrupted maternity services globally. Pregnant women need consistent access to both routine and emergency care, which was severely impacted during the pandemic.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell noted that when a mother dies, her baby’s life is also at risk. “Global funding cuts are putting more pregnant women at risk, particularly in fragile settings, by limiting their access to essential care.”
The report also pointed out stark regional disparities. Sub-Saharan Africa, despite significant progress, still accounted for around 70% of global maternal deaths in 2023. Additionally, maternal mortality has stalled in regions such as Northern Africa, Eastern Asia, and Latin America.
Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNFPA’s Executive Director, called for more investment in health systems, especially in midwifery, to help prevent maternal deaths. She highlighted that nearly two-thirds of maternal deaths now occur in conflict or fragile states. In such regions, the risks to women are alarming—especially for young girls.
Moreover, the report emphasized that addressing women’s overall health, including access to family planning services, and combating conditions like anaemia and malaria, is essential for improving maternal health outcomes. Ensuring girls remain in school and providing women with the tools to protect their health are also crucial steps in reducing maternal mortality.
The UN also warned that urgent action is needed to meet the Sustainable Development Goal for maternal survival. Currently, the maternal mortality ratio must decrease by 15% each year to meet the 2030 target—far higher than the current annual rate of decline of 1.5%.
World Health Day, observed every year on April 7, focused this year on improving maternal and newborn health under the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.” The campaign encourages governments and the global health community to increase efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths and prioritize women’s health.
With global health funding cuts already hindering essential services, many countries are scaling back critical healthcare, impacting maternal and child health. Agencies warn that without immediate intervention, the already high maternal death rates in fragile settings could worsen, putting thousands more lives at risk.
