The African region has recorded a significant decline in maternal and newborn mortality since 2000, but a 12-fold increase in the current pace of reduction is needed to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets. According to a statement published on the WHO’s official website on Monday, new estimates from the United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Interagency Group showing maternal deaths fell by 40% — from 727 to 442 per 100,000 live births — between 2000 and 2023. Despite this progress, Africa still accounts for 70% of global maternal deaths, with 178,000 mothers and one million newborns dying annually, mostly from preventable causes. “At the current annual reduction rate of 2.2%, the region will still face about 350 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030 — five times higher than the SDG target of fewer than 70 deaths,” the release noted. WHO said while stillbirth and neonatal mortality rates have declined by 30% and 33% respectively in the same period, sub-Saharan Africa continues to account for 47% of stillbirths and 46% of global newborn deaths. Projections indicate the region will miss the SDG goal of reducing neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2030. “In too many places, pregnancy and childbirth are still life-threatening events,” said Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa. “But it doesn’t have to be this way. Every dollar invested in maternal and newborn health delivers major returns: healthier families, stronger societies, and sustainable economic growth.” The WHO cited inadequate financing, workforce shortages, conflict, and disease outbreaks as key barriers, especially in fragile settings. Leading maternal death causes include hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, infections, unsafe abortion, and obstructed labour — all largely preventable with quality care. For newborns, top killers include preterm birth complications, neonatal infections, and congenital anomalies. The statement marked World Health Day 2025, themed “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” and launched a year-long campaign urging increased investment in maternal and newborn health.
Maternal, Newborn Deaths Declining in Africa, But Progress Slow – WHO
