the Wedding Planner

UK Wedding News

12/11/2015

Maternal Mortality Rates Continue To Fall

A new report has found that pregnancy-related deaths have fallen by 44% in the past 25 years. The study by United Nations agencies, has been published in The Lancet.

In 1990, 532,000 maternal deaths were recorded, but in 2015, this number had fallen to around 303,000 women.

This equates to an estimated global maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 216 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to 385 in 1990.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) described the results as "real progress", but added that "it is not enough".

Despite global improvements, with 39 countries reporting "significant progress" in reducing pregnancy-related deaths, just nine countries achieves targets set by the UN to reduce maternal mortality ratios by at least 75% between 1990 and 2015. Maternal mortality is defined as the death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth or within six weeks after birth.

- - - - - - Advertisement - - - - - -
The Party Photobooth Limited

Dr Flavia Bustreo, WHO Assistant Director-General, Family, Women's and Children's Health, said of the findings: "The MDGs triggered unprecedented efforts to reduce maternal mortality. Over the past 25 years, a woman's risk of dying from pregnancy-related causes has nearly halved.

"That's real progress, although it is not enough. We know that we can virtually end these deaths by 2030 and this is what we are committing to work towards."

Dr Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA, the United Nations' Population Fund, added: "Many countries with high maternal death rates will make little progress, or will even 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.

"If we don't make a big push now, in 2030 we'll be faced, once again, with a missed target for reducing maternal deaths."

(JP/MH)

Top stories


20/03/2020
LeToya Luckett-Walker Is Pregnant

Charlotte Crosby Finds New Romance

Lydia Bright Gets Candid About Giving Birth

Lana Del Ray Splits From Boyfriend

Angelica Ross Learns Of Boyfriend's Secret Life

Ashley Graham's Breastfeeding Struggle

Susanna Reid's Mother's Day Plans

Lin-Manuel Miranda Homeschooling Kids

Kristen Bell Speaks Of Pride For Daughters

Prince George & Princess Charlotte Now Homeschooled
more infomore info
1.464844E-02 3.140.186.241 Ban:1, But:3 25/04/2024

"A new report has found that pregnancy-related deaths have fallen by 44% in the past 25 years."