Global Maternal Mortality: Approximately 260,000 maternal deaths occurred worldwide in 2023, equating to 712 deaths daily.
Significant Reduction: A 40% decrease in maternal mortality has been achieved globally since 2000, indicating progress in healthcare access.
Regional Disparities: Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 70% of global maternal deaths, while Central and Southern Asia contribute nearly 17%.
Conflict Zones: Countries in conflict or experiencing fragility accounted for 64% of global maternal deaths in 2023.
Leading Countries: Nigeria had the highest number of maternal deaths (approximately 75,000), comprising 28.7% of the global total.
India’s Situation: India, along with the Democratic Republic of Congo, recorded the second-highest number of maternal deaths in 2023 (19,000 each). India’s maternal mortality rate (MMR) declined by 78% from 2000 to 2023 (362 to 80).
COVID-19 Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic worsened maternal mortality, with an estimated 40,000 additional deaths in 2021 compared to 2020.
Primary Cause: Haemorrhage remains the leading direct obstetric cause of maternal deaths globally.
UN Report: The “Trends in Maternal Mortality 2000-2023” report was published by the United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG).
