The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that unprecedented cuts in global aid pose a serious threat to progress in maternal health, despite significant improvements over the past two decades. This was highlighted during the celebration of World Health Day on Monday, where the organization acknowledged both achievements and ongoing challenges in reducing maternal mortality.
According to the latest United Nations (UN) report, Trends in Maternal Mortality, global maternal deaths declined by 40% between 2000 and 2023. This progress is largely attributed to improved access to essential healthcare services, including prenatal care, skilled birth attendants, and emergency obstetric care. As a result, women today are more likely than ever to survive pregnancy and childbirth.
However, the report also highlights a concerning slowdown in progress. Since 2016, the pace of improvement in maternal health has significantly decreased. In 2023 alone, an estimated 260,000 women lost their lives due to pregnancy-related complications, equating to one maternal death every two minutes. These statistics indicate that while gains have been made, maternal mortality remains a major public health concern, particularly in low-income countries where healthcare resources are limited.
The WHO has expressed concern that recent cuts in international aid could further jeopardize maternal health initiatives. Funding reductions could lead to shortages of medical supplies, reduced access to life-saving interventions, and weakened healthcare infrastructure in vulnerable regions. Without sustained investment in maternal health programs, the progress made over the past two decades could be reversed, putting more women at risk.
As the global community marks World Health Day, the WHO is urging governments and international organizations to prioritize maternal health funding. The organization emphasizes that continued commitment and investment in maternal healthcare services are essential to preventing unnecessary deaths and ensuring that all women receive the care they need during pregnancy and childbirth.
