Aid Cuts Threaten Fragile Progress in Ending Maternal Deaths, UN Agencies Warn
Ahmed Emam
A major new United Nations (UN) report released today reveals that women are now more likely than ever to survive pregnancy and childbirth, with maternal deaths falling by 40% globally between 2000 and 2023. However, UN agencies are sounding the alarm over the potential for significant setbacks due to widespread cuts in humanitarian aid.
The report, Trends in Maternal Mortality, was published on World Health Day and highlights both progress and growing concerns. While improved access to essential health services has saved countless lives over the past two decades, the pace of progress has slowed since 2016. An estimated 260,000 women died in 2023 due to complications related to pregnancy or childbirth—equivalent to one maternal death every two minutes.
'This report shows glimmers of hope,' said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). 'But it also highlights how dangerous pregnancy still is in much of the world today—despite the fact that we have the knowledge and tools to prevent most maternal deaths.'
The report also examines the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal health. In 2021 alone, maternal deaths spiked by 40,000 compared to the previous year, largely due to direct effects of the virus and major disruptions in maternity care services. This underscores the need for resilient healthcare systems that can maintain essential services during crises.
One of the most pressing threats to maternal health today, the UN warns, is a wave of global funding cuts. These reductions are forcing healthcare facilities to close, supply chains to break down, and vital personnel—including midwives and nurses—to leave the workforce. In already vulnerable regions, especially in humanitarian settings, the consequences are particularly dire.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell stressed the urgency of investing in maternal care: 'When a mother dies during pregnancy or childbirth, her baby's life is often at risk too. These are preventable tragedies. The world must invest in frontline health workers to ensure every mother and child has the chance to survive and thrive.'
The report highlights persistent inequalities between and within regions. Sub-Saharan Africa, despite notable progress, still bears a staggering 70% of the global maternal death toll. High poverty levels and ongoing conflicts continue to challenge maternal healthcare efforts in the region.
In contrast, only three UN regions—Sub-Saharan Africa, Central and Southern Asia, and Australia and New Zealand—saw significant progress in reducing maternal deaths since 2015.
The UN agencies urge governments and international donors to act swiftly. Without renewed investment and support, they warn that decades of hard-won gains could be reversed, putting the lives of hundreds of thousands of women and newborns at risk.
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