Are We Being Mum About the Maternal Health Crisis?
- Ronell Klingman
- Mar 18, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 17, 2024
In 2020, a woman lost her life every 2 minutes due to preventable causes related to pregnancy. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, our progress in ending maternal mortality has hit a roadblock, diverting resources from this critical goal. It's alarming to note that nearly 800 women still lose their lives in childbirth every day.
Reducing maternal mortality by 2030 – an achievable goal?
The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.1 envisions reducing the global maternal mortality ratio (MMR) to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030, with no country exceeding 140 per 100,000 live births. However, the reality is stark – 287,000 women lost their lives during and after pregnancy in 2020, with almost 95% of these deaths occurring in low and lower-middle-income countries. In some regions, maternal death rates soar to over 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births.
The reality in low-income countries:
Over 44 million women in low-income countries lack access to crucial prenatal and infant care services. Barriers like declining service utilization, limited access to healthcare facilities, and healthcare utilization disparities, especially in rural and economically disadvantaged populations, pose significant obstacles.
There is an increase maternal mortality in high-income countries too:
Disparities also persist in high-income countries. In the USA, the MMR increased from 20.1 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2019 to 32.9 deaths in 2021, with significantly higher mortality rates recorded among Black women. This highlights the urgent need for change across all age groups.
Improving access to care:
A broad health system strengthening, universal health coverage, and multisectoral action are crucial steps towards reducing maternal deaths and addressing healthcare disparities.
Addressing these challenges is crucial, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where only 14% of women receive the recommended package of services. Innovative approaches like virtual prenatal visits can overcome barriers, ensuring comprehensive care for all.
Antenatal care plays a pivotal role in promoting the health and well-being of mothers and children. We can reduce maternal death risks through family planning, better access to high-quality antenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care provided by skilled health professionals.
The rise in maternal deaths is a scandal that demands our collective attention and action. Let's unite to ensure access to high-quality maternal healthcare, reduce disparities, and work towards a world where maternal mortality is a thing of the past. Together, we can make a difference.
To read more: doi: 10.1016/S2214-109X(23)00247-4
