We can and must end preventable maternal deaths

Statement by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem on World Health Day (7 April)

Globally, women’s health during pregnancy and childbirth is better than ever before. This is owing to medical advances, and because more women have control over their reproductive choices and can access respectful, high-quality maternal care.

Since 2000, the world has seen a remarkable 40 per cent drop in global maternal mortality. For the first time, no country is estimated to have an ‘extremely high’ maternal mortality rate of over 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births.

Yet these gains mask significant disparities and they remain fragile – and in some of the most vulnerable places, non-existent. Where health systems are weak or protracted crises take root, maternal mortality rates stagnate or even increase. In conflict-affected countries, women are twice as likely – or more – to die from pregnancy and childbirth complications than the global average.

One encouraging sign is that more births today take place in healthcare facilities. Still, the quality of care varies widely, which can have life-threatening consequences: Research finds that poor-quality care causes half of maternal deaths. Shortages in essential medicines, equipment and skilled personnel plague many health systems.

In many cases, discrimination and inequities tied to location, income, and race or ethnicity deprive women of both sexual and reproductive choices and adequate maternal care. Even in the wealthiest countries, which have high healthcare standards on average, rates of maternal mortality are disproportionately higher among marginalized groups.

We can and must end preventable maternal deaths. We know what works and why.

We know that midwives save lives. Expanded midwifery care can detect risks and manage complications while reducing costs. Despite evidence that universal access to these professionals could avert two thirds of maternal and newborn deaths and stillbirths, there is a global shortfall of nearly 1 million midwives.

We know that strong political commitments, adequate financial resources and supportive laws make a lasting difference.

On this World Health Day, let us prioritize investments so that we reach zero preventable maternal deaths. Let us commit to building healthier, more just societies and to ensuring that all women bringing life into this world can survive childbirth and thrive afterwards.