Last update: Nov 2007

Progress

A review of recent evidence shows that while a number of middle-income countries have made progress in reducing maternal deaths, less progress has been achieved in low-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Across the developing world, maternal mortality levels remain too high, with more than 500,000 women dying every year as a result of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. About half of these deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa and about one third occur in South Asia; the two regions together account for about 85 per cent of all maternal deaths. In sub-Saharan Africa, a woman’s lifetime risk of maternal death is a staggering 1 in 22, compared with 1 in 8,000 in industrialized countries.

Source: World Health Organization, UNICEF, United Nations Population Fund and World Bank, Maternal Mortality in 2005, 2007.

Source: World Health Organization, UNICEF, United Nations Population Fund and World Bank, Maternal Mortality in 2005, 2007.

Causes of maternal deaths vary regionally

The causes of maternal deaths vary markedly across regions and countries. Haemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal death in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, while hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and labour play a more prominent role in Latin America/Caribbean. In industrialized countries, most deaths are due to other causes, including complications from anaesthesia and Caesarian section.

Source: Khan, Khalid S. et al. 2006. “WHO Analysis of Causes of Maternal Deaths: A Systematic Review.” The Lancet, 367(9516): 1066-1074.