India Among Nations with Highest Maternal Deaths in 2023
India recorded 24,700 maternal deaths in 2023, placing it among countries with the highest total numbers in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, according to a global analysis published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Women’s Health journal. The maternal mortality ratio for India in 2023 was estimated at 116 deaths per one lakh live births.
The Chenab Times has learned that the analysis, which provides the most up-to-date global assessment of maternal mortality trends across 204 countries and territories through 2023, was led by researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington and international collaborators. The study noted that while maternal deaths have declined over the past three decades, the pace of progress has slowed in recent years and remains inconsistent across nations.
Globally, the world saw an estimated 2.4 lakh maternal deaths in 2023, resulting in a maternal mortality ratio of 190.5 deaths per one lakh live births. This represents a reduction of over one-third from the 321 maternal deaths per one lakh live births recorded in 1990. However, the research indicated that 104 out of 204 countries and territories have not yet met the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing their maternal mortality ratio to below 70 per one lakh live births.
Leading causes of maternal deaths varied by region, but maternal haemorrhage and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were identified as the most significant contributors to deaths globally. The analysis also highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to temporary increases in maternal mortality in certain regions during 2020-2021, particularly before widespread vaccination.
The study suggests that improved access to antenatal care, safe delivery services, emergency obstetric care, and post-partum follow-up could significantly reduce mortality rates, especially in countries facing the highest burdens. With less than five years remaining to achieve the SDG target, the researchers emphasized the need for renewed global action and sustained investment to accelerate progress, strengthen health systems, and enhance countries’ capacity to monitor and reduce maternal mortality.
In contrast to the global analysis, the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) 2021-23 data for India reported a maternal mortality ratio of 88 per lakh live births. A source within the Union Health Ministry cited this figure as evidence of progress in ensuring safe pregnancies and childbirth, noting that India has achieved an 86 per cent reduction in MMR since 1990, significantly exceeding the global average of 48 per cent.
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