In 2023, an estimated 260,000 women died in 2023, during or shortly after the birth of their child. This is based on information from the World Health Organization (WHO). Every two minutes, a woman loses her life due to complications related to pregnancy.
Nevertheless, the number of deaths in mothers between 2000 and 2023 all over the world decreased by 40 percent. The main reason for this is improved access to basic health services. However, the pace in reducing maternal mortality has slowed down since 2016.
The WHO said one reason for slowing down progress could be the unprecedented international aid payments. As a result, countries are forced to return vital services for the health of mothers, newborns and children.
US President Donald Trump suspended all US aid programs for a 90-day review in January. Trump also completed the humanitarian programs of the aid agency USAID. Other governments also shortened their payments for humanitarian programs worldwide.
This article is updated.
