Africa witnesses decrease in maternal, newborn deaths
(MENAFN) Maternal and newborn death rates across Africa have seen a notable decline since 2000, according to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) released on Monday.
Between 2000 and 2020, maternal mortality in the region fell by 40%, dropping from 727 to 442 deaths per 100,000 live births. However, the WHO warned that this progress still falls short of meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), which aims to reduce maternal deaths to fewer than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.
The report highlights an encouraging trend: over 60% of African countries now report that more than 80% of births are attended by trained health professionals—an increase from just 28% in 2010. Despite this progress, rural and conflict-affected areas continue to face significant challenges in providing maternal and child healthcare.
The WHO pointed out several persistent barriers to progress, including limited funding, governance issues, shortages in the health workforce, and recurring crises like disease outbreaks and armed conflicts. These factors continue to disrupt essential health services, especially for vulnerable populations.
Africa still accounts for 70% of the world's pregnancy and childbirth-related deaths, with approximately 178,000 maternal and 1 million newborn deaths each year. Common causes include excessive bleeding, infections, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, delivery complications, and unsafe abortions. For newborns, premature birth, labor complications, and infections are leading causes—many of which are preventable with proper care.
WHO officials stressed the importance of accelerating improvements in maternal and newborn care. “In too many places, pregnancy and childbirth are still life-threatening events,” said Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, who emphasized the long-term societal and economic benefits of investing in maternal health.
Meanwhile, UNICEF Director Catherine Russell, quoted by The Guardian, warned that global cuts to healthcare funding are putting more pregnant women at risk—particularly in crisis zones—by limiting access to life-saving services. She called for greater investment in health workers, especially midwives and nurses, to give every mother and baby a chance to survive and flourish.
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