Despite progress, maternal health gains are stalling. Here’s what’s at stake—and how skilled care can save millions of lives.
Monday, April 7th was World Health Day. This year, the World Health Organization launched a powerful, year-long campaign to prioritize maternal and child health. The timing couldn’t be more urgent—or more personal.
We dug through the latest research to bring you a snapshot of what’s happening globally—and why your voice and support matter more than ever.
Below, we’ve summarized the key issues. We've also included a few links so you can dive deeper.
Every two minutes, somewhere in the world, a woman dies from complications during pregnancy or childbirth. In 2023 alone, an estimated 260,000 women lost their lives.
More than 2 million newborns didn’t survive their first month. Another 2 million were stillborn.
That’s one preventable death every seven seconds.
The key word here is preventable. With access to skilled care, emergency services, and basic supplies, the majority of these deaths could be avoided.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, a woman is 130 times more likely to die in childbirth than a woman in North America or Europe. The region accounts for roughly 70% of global maternal deaths.
These deaths are not just the result of medical emergencies—they are the outcome of inequality and underinvestment. They occur overwhelmingly in low- and middle-income countries. Many are now facing shrinking health budgets as international funding has decreased.
Between 2000 and 2023, maternal deaths dropped by 40% globally. This progress was made possible by increased access to trained health workers, investments in maternal care, and the tireless efforts of local communities–and supporters like you who believe every mom deserves a safe delivery.
And for the first time ever, in 2023, no country had an extremely high maternal mortality rate (defined as more than 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births). That’s amazing.
But recently, progress has stagnated.
Since 2018, global funding for maternal health has declined. Funds have been diverted to issues like pandemics, conflict zones, and climate emergencies.
UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 aims to end preventable maternal deaths. The goal is to have fewer than 70 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births by 2030.
But right now:
1. Skilled health workers save lives. With access to trained midwives and community health workers, 60% of maternal and newborn deaths could be prevented.
2. We can save 30 million lives. If care is scaled now, 30 million women and babies could be saved by 2030—more than half in Sub-Saharan Africa.
3. The impact goes far beyond health. For every $1 invested, maternal and newborn health programs can bring back $20. This leads to economic growth, stronger communities, and healthier families.
4. Progress is possible—and already happening. Some low- and lower-middle-income countries, like Malawi and Rwanda, have cut newborn and child mortality by over two-thirds since 2000. These success stories highlight what's possible when political will, good policies, and ongoing investment align. Progress isn't limited to wealthy nations—it’s happening in some of the world’s most resource-constrained settings.
This issue isn’t distant. It’s personal. When you support local health workers, you’re standing up for justice—ensuring that moms have the care they need and babies get the chance to thrive.
You're helping create a world where no woman dies giving life.
Let’s keep going. Let’s go faster. Together.
Explore more:
👉 Trends in Maternal Mortality: 2000 to 2023 (UNFPA)
👉 Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere
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