ArdorComm Media News Network
March 30, 2026
A recent global analysis published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Women’s Health has highlighted that India remains among the nations with the highest number of maternal deaths in 2023, reporting approximately 24,700 fatalities. This corresponds to a maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 116 deaths per one lakh live births. Other countries with significant figures include Pakistan with 10,300 deaths, and African nations such as Ethiopia and Nigeria reporting 11,900 and 32,900 deaths respectively.
The study, conducted by researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington along with global collaborators, notes that while maternal mortality has declined significantly over the past 30 years, the pace of improvement has slowed and disparities across regions persist. The findings are part of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 assessment, which evaluates trends across 204 countries.
In contrast, India’s latest Sample Registration System (SRS) data for 2021–23 shows a lower MMR of 88 per one lakh live births, reflecting continued national progress. Government sources also point out that India has achieved an 86% reduction in maternal mortality since 1990, surpassing the global average decline and aligning with its commitment to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing MMR below 70 by 2030.
Globally, maternal deaths stood at around 240,000 in 2023, with an MMR of 190.5—down by more than one-third from 1990 levels. However, over half of the countries studied are still above the SDG threshold. The leading causes of maternal deaths worldwide include severe bleeding and pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders.
Experts emphasize that expanding access to antenatal care, ensuring safe childbirth services, strengthening emergency obstetric care, and improving postnatal follow-up can significantly reduce maternal deaths. The study also noted that the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily reversed progress, contributing to increased maternal mortality during its early phase.
With less than five years left to achieve global targets, the report calls for renewed focus, stronger health systems, and sustained investments to accelerate progress in maternal health outcomes.
Source: PTI