Pakistan among top four nations with highest maternal mortality rates: UN report

UN report highlights Pakistan's high maternal mortality rate

UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has been identified as one of the four countries—alongside Nigeria, India, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)—accounting for nearly half of the estimated 260,000 maternal deaths worldwide in 2023, according to a recent United Nations (UN) report.

Alarming statistics in maternal health

The Trends in Maternal Mortality report, published by UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), reveals that:​

• Nigeria recorded approximately 75,000 maternal deaths, constituting over a quarter (28.7%) of global maternal fatalities.​
• India and the DRC each reported around 19,000 maternal deaths, representing 7.2% of the global total per country.​
• Pakistan accounted for 11,000 maternal deaths, making up 4.1% of the global figure. ​

Collectively, these four nations were responsible for approximately 47% of all maternal deaths globally in 2023.​

Impact of aid reductions on maternal health

The report raises concerns about the detrimental effects of recent cuts in international aid, particularly by major donors like the United States and the United Kingdom, on maternal health services. These reductions have led to:​

• Closure of healthcare facilities due to insufficient funding.​
• Layoffs of medical staff, resulting in decreased access to skilled care.​
• Shortages of essential medicines necessary for treating pregnancy-related complications. ​

The WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized the critical need for sustained investment in quality maternity care and the strengthening of women's reproductive rights to prevent further setbacks in maternal health. ​

The COVID-19 pandemic's role

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated maternal health challenges, with an estimated 40,000 additional maternal deaths in 2021 attributed to both direct complications from the virus and significant disruptions in maternity services.

Persistent inequalities and regional disparities

Despite a 40% decline in maternal deaths between 2000 and 2023, progress has stagnated since 2015. Sub-Saharan Africa continues to bear approximately 70% of the global maternal mortality burden, highlighting persistent inequalities in healthcare access and quality.

Urgent call for action

The UN agencies are calling for immediate action to prevent maternal deaths, especially in humanitarian settings where the numbers are alarmingly high. They stress the importance of:​

• Investing in midwives and other health workers to provide essential care.​
• Ensuring access to quality maternity services before, during, and after childbirth.
• Strengthening health systems to withstand challenges posed by pandemics and other emergencies.