Today is the International Day for Maternal Health & Rights! On our social media accounts you will find facts and information posted throughout the day as part of the international InciSioN campaign. Flick through this article for a recap.
This is a priority: facts and information
Between 2000 and 2017, the maternal mortality ratio dropped by about 38% worldwide. However, there is a LOT of work still to do. The urgent need for equitable and evidence based maternity care, and universal access to emergency obstetric care, should be prioritised on the global health agenda, and here are 10 reasons why...
1. Poor access to emergency obstetric care contributes to nearly 300,000 maternal deaths annually. 75% of all maternal deaths are due to haemorrhage, infections, high blood pressure during pregnancy, delivery complications and unsafe abortion.
2. 99% of maternal mortality occurs in developing countries. In 2017, Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia accounted for roughly 86% of global maternal deaths.
3. Due to more pregnancies, women in less developed countries have a higher lifetime risk of death.
4. For each woman who dies in childbirth, 20 more suffer injury, infection, or disease. Approximately 15 million women suffer a disability as a result of childbirth. For example, untreated obstetric fistulas due to childbirth affect 2-3 million women and result in social stigma and ostracisation.
5. Of the 22 million unsafe abortions performed annually, over 5 million result in complications which may end in death.
9. Only 51% of women in low-income countries benefit from skilled care during childbirth. The lack of skilled care and global shortage of qualified health workers are the main obstacles to better health for mothers.
10. Less than 1% of maternal deaths occur in high-income countries. Skilled care before, during and after childbirth can save the lives of women and newborns.
Perspectives from our members around the world
What is maternal health? How are women affected by limited resources? What can be done to improve healthcare for pregnant women? Watch this twitter video, posted by InciSioN Global, to hear perspectives from members of our NWGs around the world.