A global analysis published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women’s Health has found that India recorded about 24,700 maternal deaths per one lakh live births in 2023, placing it among the highest-burden countries in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
The study reported that Pakistan saw around 10,300 maternal deaths per one lakh live births, while Ethiopia and Nigeria recorded approximately 11,900 and 32,900 deaths per one lakh live births, respectively.
Researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington noted that although maternal mortality has declined significantly over the past three decades, progress has slowed and remains uneven across countries.
As per the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 estimates, around 2.4 lakh maternal deaths occurred worldwide in 2023, translating to a global maternal mortality ratio of 190.5 per one lakh live births down from 321 in 1990.
However, 104 of 204 countries and territories are still off track to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing maternal mortality to below 70 per one lakh live births.
The study identified maternal haemorrhage and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy as the leading causes of deaths globally.
It highlighted that improving access to antenatal care, safe delivery services, emergency obstetric care, and postnatal follow-up could significantly reduce mortality, especially in high-burden regions.
The researchers also noted that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a temporary increase in maternal deaths during 2020–2021, particularly in areas with high infection rates before widespread vaccination.
With less than five years remaining to achieve SDG targets, the study called for renewed global action, sustained investment, and stronger health systems to accelerate progress in reducing maternal mortality.
