How many women die from childbirth?
The maternal mortality rate (MMR) is the number of women who die from pregnancy-related causes during pregnancy, childbirth, or the first 42 days after childbirth per 100,000 live births.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global MMR in 2020 was estimated to be 211 deaths per 100,000 live births, down from 343 in 2000. However, there is significant variation between countries, with some countries having MMRs as low as 2 and others as high as 1,300.
Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest MMR in the world, accounting for two-thirds of all maternal deaths. In 2020, the MMR in Sub-Saharan Africa was estimated to be 542 deaths per 100,000 live births.
The leading causes of maternal death are:
- Severe bleeding
- Infection
- Eclampsia
- Unsafe abortion
- Obstructed labor
Despite progress in reducing the MMR, it remains a major public health challenge, particularly in low-income countries. Improving access to quality maternal healthcare, including antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and emergency obstetric care, is essential for reducing the MMR.
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