Every two minutes, a pregnant woman or new mother dies, with the majority of these deaths being preventable, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2020 alone, 287,000 maternal deaths were reported, primarily in low-income countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Addressing maternal health is critical to saving lives and improving the well-being of women worldwide.
Key Factors Contributing to Maternal Mortality
The WHO identifies several key factors responsible for maternal deaths. Severe bleeding, preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), infections, and pregnancy-related chronic conditions are among the most common causes. In addition to these, other risks include sepsis, blood clots, and unsafe abortions. Mental health issues also play a significant role, with suicide emerging as an increasing risk for new mothers.
Many of these deaths are preventable with timely medical intervention and access to proper healthcare services. However, systemic issues in healthcare access and quality continue to exacerbate the problem.
The Impact of Limited Access to Emergency Care
One of the primary reasons for the high maternal death toll is the lack of access to emergency care. Conditions like severe bleeding or complications from high blood pressure can become fatal within hours without timely treatment. In Latin America and the Caribbean, high blood pressure-related complications are a significant cause of maternal mortality.
In many low-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, healthcare infrastructure remains inadequate. This is compounded by a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals and limited access to necessary medical supplies, leaving women vulnerable to life-threatening complications. Research shows that one in 20 women in sub-Saharan Africa faces a “near-miss” situation, where they survive a life-threatening condition but face long-term health consequences.
Maternal Mental Health: A Growing Concern
Maternal mental health is also an increasingly recognized issue that affects the well-being of new mothers. Postpartum depression and anxiety are common, but in some cases, the mental health challenges can become severe. Suicide is one of the leading causes of maternal deaths in high-income and low-income countries alike. Addressing mental health care needs and providing proper psychological support during and after pregnancy is a vital part of improving overall maternal health.
Improving Maternal Health: What Needs to Be Done
To address the ongoing maternal health crisis, experts agree that better coordination between obstetric, emergency, and mental health services is essential. Healthcare systems must be strengthened to ensure that all women, regardless of where they live, have access to timely, high-quality medical care during pregnancy and childbirth.
Investment in maternal healthcare services has yielded positive results in some regions. Since 2000, 69 countries have successfully halved their maternal mortality rates. Sub-Saharan Africa, in particular, has seen a 33% reduction in maternal deaths over the past two decades. These improvements demonstrate that change is possible with sufficient resources and commitment.
However, challenges remain. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted healthcare services globally, limiting access to essential prenatal and postnatal care. Furthermore, cuts in funding for maternal health programs in some countries have undermined efforts to save lives. These setbacks highlight the critical need for continued investment in maternal health programs and infrastructure to sustain and build on the progress made so far.
The Road Ahead: Continued Investment and Global Cooperation
The fight to reduce maternal mortality requires global cooperation and continued investment. Governments, international organizations, and non-governmental agencies must work together to strengthen healthcare systems, ensure access to emergency services, and support mental health initiatives for mothers.
Ultimately, no woman should lose her life due to preventable causes during pregnancy or childbirth. By addressing the root causes of maternal mortality and improving healthcare access, we can save thousands of lives and make pregnancies safer for women around the world.
For further updates on maternal health, visit EuroNews24.