Every day, on average, 712 women lose their lives. That’s one death every two minutes.
Not from war, not from accidents, but from something that should be a moment of joy.
A harrowing new report from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) paints a grim picture of global maternal health.
According to the data, 260,000 women died in 2023 due to complications related to pregnancy or childbirth — a shocking reminder that maternal mortality remains a global crisis.
Only the privileged feel the progress
Since the year 2000, global maternal mortality rates have steadily declined. But the benefits of this progress haven’t reached everyone.
In fact, they have mainly been felt by women in high-income countries with access to proper healthcare systems.
In 2023, a staggering 90 percent of maternal deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries. For women living in conflict zones, the risk is even greater.
Weak health infrastructure, poor access to services, and political instability combine to create life-threatening situations for mothers and newborns alike.
A crisis with a solution — but no urgency
The UN has set a clear goal: reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.
It’s an ambitious target — but far from impossible.
Yet at the current rate of decline, just two percent annually, the world won’t even come close. So, what’s holding us back?
Not a lack of knowledge, say experts. Not a lack of technology or medical breakthroughs. But a lack of political will and funding.
Midwives could be the key to solving this crisis. According to the report, nearly two-thirds of all maternal and newborn deaths could be prevented with access to well-trained midwives.
However, the global shortage is staggering: the world is currently short nearly 900,000 midwives.
This article is based on information from Via Ritzau.