WHO study highlights key factors in reducing maternal deaths worldwide

The World Health Organization (WHO) and Human Reproduction Programme (HRP) published a study in The Lancet Global Health regarding global maternal care. Key findings are summarized in a press release.

The study, “Effect of maternity care improvement, fertility decline, and contraceptive use on global maternal mortality reduction between 2000–2023: results from a decomposition analysis,” shows progress in global maternal care. 195 countries and territories contributed data to the report. Based on the provided data, “global maternity mortality declined by 41%” during the study period.

Additional key findings:

• The researchers found that more than half (61.2%) of the reduction in maternal deaths across the globe is due to upgrades in maternity care.
• Over 70,000 maternal deaths were prevented in 2023 by contraceptive use.
• Including family planning with maternity care will help the world reach 2030 maternal mortality goals, according to WHO. 

WHO gave the following statement in a press release, “By quantifying the combined contributions of maternity care and contraceptive use, this research offers a powerful and timely message: continued investment in family planning and maternal health is essential to saving lives and accelerating global progress on maternal survival.”