Maternal health

Where does this issue fit into the Millennium Goals?

Millennium Goal 4: Reduce by two thirds, by 2015, the under-five mortality rate; and

Millennium Goal 5: Reduce by three quarters the maternal mortality rate and achieve, by 2015, universal access to reproductive health.

How does this issue affect people?

Maternal mortality is declining, but more needs to be done.   While motherhood is a positive and fulfilling experience, for too many women it is connected to suffering, illness and sometimes death. The most common causes of maternal mortality are unsafe abortion, haemorrhage, infection, high blood pressure, and obstructed labour.

Facts & Figures

• 99% of all maternal deaths occur in developing countries.
• Every minute at least one woman dies from complications related to pregnancy or childbirth - that results in over 529,000 women a year. In many cases, the death of these women could have been prevented.
• Maternal mortality is higher among poorer and less educated communities
• Skilled care before, during and after childbirth can save the lives of women and newborn children
• Countries including Cambodia and Laos come only second to Sub-Saharan Africa in terms of maternal deaths. Papua New Guinea also has a high rate of maternal death.
• Due to increased awareness between 1990 and 2008, maternal mortality worldwide has since dropped by one third.

How can women’s lives be saved?

Maternal deaths are avoidable. Women require access to antenatal care throughout their pregnancy, skilled care during childbirth, and care and support in the weeks after their child is born. It is important that all births are attended by skilled health professionals, as timely management and treatment can often be the difference between life and death.

Information on this page was researched and collated with the help of WHO, Oxfam, United Nations and Wikipedia.