Today, women are more likely than ever to survive pregnancy and childbirth. However, recent cuts in humanitarian aid threaten progress towards ending maternal deaths.

This was denounced by Unicef, the World Bank Group and others in “Trends in Maternal Mortality Estimates 2000 to 2023”, a report issued on 7 April on World Health Day.

The publication shows a global 40% drop in maternal deaths between 2000 and 2023.

“Trends in Maternal Mortality Estimates 2000 to 2023” also presents the first global account of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on maternal survival.
The data highlight the persistent inequalities between regions and countries as well as the uneven progress. 

Finally, the publication emphasises the need for urgent investment to prevent maternal deaths.

The Report is available on the Unicef website.

Further materials and news can be found on this site under Mother and child health, accessible from the “Topics” navigation menu.