Rising Concern as World Falls Behind on Reducing Maternal Deaths by 2030

The world is off track to meet its 2030 target on reducing maternal deaths, with progress slowing sharply in recent years despite earlier gains. Urgent action is needed to improve healthcare access, reduce inequality and ensure safe pregnancy and childbirth for all women.

A new global assessment led by the World Health Organization, alongside UNICEF, UNFPA, the World Bank Group and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, has delivered a clear warning: the world is not on track to meet its 2030 goal of reducing maternal deaths. Despite years of effort, progress has slowed, putting millions of women at continued risk during pregnancy and childbirth.

The target under the Sustainable Development Goals is to bring maternal deaths below 70 per 100,000 live births. But the latest estimate shows that in 2023, the global figure stood at 197. While this is an improvement compared to earlier decades, it is still far from where it needs to be.

Progress Slows at a Critical Time

For years, maternal mortality was declining steadily. Between 2000 and 2023, deaths dropped at an average rate of just over 2 percent each year. However, since 2016, this progress has slowed significantly. If current trends continue, the world will not meet its 2030 target.

Experts say the pace now needs to increase dramatically. Without faster action, maternal mortality will remain more than double the global goal by the end of the decade. This slowdown has raised concerns that earlier gains could be lost if urgent steps are not taken.

A World Divided by Inequality

The data shows a sharp divide between countries. In high-income nations, maternal deaths are rare due to strong healthcare systems and easy access to skilled care. In contrast, many low-income and fragile countries still face very high death rates.

Countries such as Nigeria, Chad and the Central African Republic continue to report some of the highest numbers. In these places, weak health systems, lack of trained staff and poor access to emergency care make pregnancy dangerous for many women.

At the same time, some countries have shown that improvement is possible. India, Ethiopia and Cambodia have made significant progress by investing in healthcare services and improving access to care for mothers.

Why Care and Access Matter

Reducing maternal deaths is not just about hospitals. It requires a full system that supports women before, during and after childbirth. Health experts stress the importance of regular antenatal check-ups, skilled health workers at birth and proper care after delivery.

One major challenge is access to emergency services. In many rural areas, women must travel long distances to reach hospitals. Delays in getting care can turn treatable complications into life-threatening situations.

Another key issue is women's ability to make decisions about their own health. Access to information, family planning services and freedom to seek care all play a crucial role in improving outcomes.

Closing the Gap Before 2030

Inequality within countries is also a serious concern. Women in poorer or remote communities often face much higher risks than those in cities. This means national averages can hide the real scale of the problem.

With only a few years left, global health agencies are calling for urgent action. Governments are being urged to invest more in healthcare, expand access and ensure that services reach the most vulnerable groups.

The message is simple but urgent. Most maternal deaths can be prevented with the right care and support. The challenge now is to make sure that every woman, no matter where she lives, has access to that care before time runs out.