India Ranks Second in Global Maternal Deaths Report

Why in the News ?

The UN’s 2023 maternal mortality report revealed India recorded 19,000 maternal deaths—second only to Nigeria. Despite improvement in its maternal mortality ratio, India, along with three other nations, accounted for nearly half of all global maternal deaths.

India Ranks Second in Global Maternal Deaths Report

Global Trends in Maternal Mortality:

  • The UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group released its latest report: “Trends in Maternal Mortality 2000–2023.”
  • An estimated 260,000 women died globally in 2023 from pregnancy or childbirth-related causes—averaging 712 deaths per day.
  • Despite a 40% decline in maternal mortality since 2000, significant disparities continue to exist across regions.
  • Sub-Saharan Africa alone contributed 70% of global maternal deaths, while Central and Southern Asia accounted for 17%.

India’s Position and Statistics:

  • India, alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), recorded the second-highest maternal deaths in 2023, with 19,000 deaths
  • Nigeria topped the list with 75,000 deaths, comprising 7% of total global maternal deaths.
  • Combined, Nigeria, India, DRC, and Pakistan were responsible for nearly 47% of all maternal deaths worldwide.
  • India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has shown marked improvement—from 362 in 2000 to 80 in 2023.

Concerns and the Way Ahead:

  • Despite progress, India’s high absolute number of maternal deaths remains a concern given its population size.
  • The report highlights the need for continued investment in maternal healthcare, skilled birth attendance, and access to emergency obstetric care.
  • Experts call for addressing regional inequalities, improving health infrastructure, and focusing on rural and underserved areas to further reduce maternal mortality.

About Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR):

●      Definition: MMR is the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births within a given time period.

●      Purpose: It reflects the risk of death associated with each pregnancy or live birth.

●      Maternal Death: Defined as the death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of pregnancy termination.

●      Causes: Includes deaths related to or aggravated by pregnancy or its management.

●      Exclusions: Accidental or incidental causes are not counted.

●      Indicator: A key measure of maternal health and healthcare quality.

●      Global Use: Helps compare maternal health outcomes across regions and timeframes.