Natalia Kanem, executive director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has announced a 40 per cent decline in global maternal mortality since 2000.
According to NAN, Kanem spoke at an event organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to mark this year’s World Health Day.
The 2025 campaign, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures”, aims to eliminate preventable maternal and newborn deaths while enhancing women’s health.
Kanem noted that no country currently has an “extremely high” maternal mortality rate exceeding 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births.
“Globally, women’s health during pregnancy and childbirth is better than ever before,” she said, attributing the results to medical advancements, reproductive autonomy, and quality maternal care.
She noted that while more births occur in healthcare facilities, care quality varies, with poor standards causing half of maternal deaths.
“Research finds that poor-quality care causes half of maternal deaths and shortages in essential medicines, equipment and skilled personnel plague many health systems,” she added.
“Discrimination further limits access for marginalised groups, even in wealthy nations. We can and must end preventable maternal deaths. We know what works and why.”
She called on stakeholders to provide strong laws, political and financial support for positive impact.
“On this World Health Day, let us prioritise investments so that we can reach zero preventable maternal deaths,” she added.
“Let us commit to building healthier, more just societies and to ensure that all women bringing life into this world can survive childbirth and thrive afterwards.”
