Maternal mortality rates halved

Maternal mortality rates have almost halved in the last 25 years, according to a United Nations agencies report.

The report looked into women who died either of complications during pregnancy or in the fist six weeks after giving birth. It found that figures were down to 303,000 in 2015, from 532,000 in 1990. However, despite “huge progress” World Health Organisations reported that just nine countries were able to meet targets set by the UN.

“This report will show that by the end of 2015 maternal mortality will have dropped by 44% from its levels from 1990,” said Dr Lale Say, coordinator for reproductive health and research at the WHO. She added though, that 99% of deaths took place developing countries.

“Many countries with high maternal death rates will make little progress, or will fall behind, over the next 15 years if we don’t improve the current number of available midwives and other health workers with midwifery skills,” said Dr Babatunde Osotimehin, executive director of the UN Population Fund.

For more information on how the UN aims to reduce the global ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 by 2030, please see this report.