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This World Health Day, a combined report by the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO) sent out a strong message: Pregnancy is still too unsafe for millions of women globally. In 2023 alone, over 260,000 women lost their lives due to pregnancy and childbirth complications that could have been prevented.
Observed every year on April 7, this year's theme for World Health Day focuses on maternal and newborn health.
The theme, "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures," urges leaders and health organizations worldwide to make quality maternal care a priority. It also emphasizes the need for long-term support for women’s health and well-being.
The "Trends in Maternal Mortality" report showed some improvement: Between 2000 and 2023, the global maternal mortality ratio (MMR)—the rate of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births—decreased by 40 percent. However, this progress has essentially stalled since 2016, raising serious concerns among health professionals.
A particularly troubling aspect is the disproportionate impact of these deaths. Over 90 percent occurred in low- and lower-middle-income countries, revealing deep inequities in access to quality, safe healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth.
While this report shows glimmers of hope, the data also highlights how dangerous pregnancy still is in much of the world today, despite the existence of solutions to prevent and treat the complications that cause the vast majority of maternal deaths.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General
He emphasized the need to invest in women's health not only during pregnancy but also before and after, by increasing access to care, safeguarding reproductive rights, and strengthening healthcare systems.
The report also underscored the impact of COVID-19 on maternal health. In 2021, an estimated 40,000 additional maternal deaths occurred worldwide, increasing the annual toll from 282,000 in 2020 to 322,000.
These fatalities resulted from both direct virus complications and the broader collapse of maternal health services, illustrating just how vulnerable healthcare systems can be in a global crisis.
"This data underscores the urgent need for resilient health systems that ensure pregnant women have access to both routine and emergency care, even during pandemics and other emergencies," the report stated.
With the facts painting a grim picture, world health leaders are sounding the alarm for increased investment, policy change, and collaboration at the community level to prevent maternal deaths.
The message is clear: No woman should have to die in childbirth. The world has the tools, the knowledge, and the financial resources—now, it must demonstrate the will and take action to make maternal health a global priority.
References:
1. World Health Organization. 2025. "World Health Day 2025: Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures." WHO, April 7, 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2025/04/07/default-calendar/world-health-day-2025-healthy-beginnings-hopeful-futures.
2. World Health Organization. 2025. "World Health Day 2025." WHO. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2025.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal Arshad/MSM)
