Maternal Deaths
News Kashmir Analysis
Maternal deaths are a serious issue confronting humanity.
Maternal deaths remain a major issue in many countries.
As a matter of fact, a maternal death is defined as the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, but not from accidental or incidental causes.
This includes direct obstetric deaths from complications like hemorrhage, sepsis, and eclampsia, as well as indirect deaths from pre-existing conditions worsened by pregnancy, such as heart disease or HIV.
Late maternal deaths occur between 43 days and 1 year after pregnancy. This definition is used by WHO to track maternal mortality and guide global health policy.
It is painful to note that just five countries — Nigeria, India, Ethiopia, Pakistan, and Cameroon — account for 36 percent of maternal deaths worldwide, according to a new analysis published in _The Lancet_. In other words, more than one in three maternal deaths occur in these nations alone.
The findings, published in _The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Women’s Health_, highlight the continued concentration of maternal mortality in a small number of countries.
The burden of maternal mortality remains concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. India recorded 24,700 maternal deaths in 2023, the second-highest globally after Nigeria, which reported 32,900 deaths.
It is worrying to note that sub-Saharan Africa continues to be the epicenter for maternal mortality, accounting for the majority of high-burden countries and 15 of the 20 countries with the highest maternal deaths. Progress in these regions will be critical to meeting global SDG targets.
Pertinent to mention is that of 104 countries yet to meet the target, 15 have an MMR between 70 and 100, 16 fall in the range of 100 to 140, and 73 report an MMR above 140. The report also highlights inequalities within countries, noting that even where national averages meet the target, regional disparities persist.
In this regard, according to expert pulse ,
Addressing this crisis requires urgent investment in accessible antenatal care, skilled birth attendants, emergency obstetric services, and family planning. Strengthening health systems, improving nutrition, educating girls, and tackling poverty and gender inequality are equally vital. Community awareness, better data collection, and accountability at all levels can save lives. If governments prioritize maternal health with adequate funding and political will, many of these deaths are preventable. Humanity needs to take steps to address maternal deaths.