On World Health Day 2025, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported notable progress in reducing maternal deaths across the Americas. In 2023, the region recorded 7,850 maternal deaths—a 15.7% drop from the 9,210 deaths in 2000. This improvement is largely due to better access to essential health services. However, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) still stands at 59 deaths per 100,000 live births—almost double the target of 30 set for 2030 under PAHO’s Sustainable Health Agenda for the Americas.
Progress in Reducing Maternal Deaths
The Americas have made strides in maternal health. From 2000 to 2023, 29 countries in the region saw a decrease in MMR. Notably, maternal mortality fell by 19% between 2020 and 2023, returning to pre-pandemic levels. This translates into five fewer maternal deaths each day across the region.
The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily set back gains by worsening health access, but the recovery since then has been strong. These improvements are largely credited to expanded health coverage, more trained health workers, and better access to emergency care.
Persistent Gaps and Inequalities
Despite progress, serious inequalities persist. The MMR varies widely by country—from 10 deaths per 100,000 live births in Chile to a staggering 328 in Haiti. Currently:
- 5 countries report very low MMR (under 20)
- 26 countries have low MMR (20–99)
- 4 countries show moderate MMR (100–299)
- 1 country has a high MMR (over 300)
PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa emphasized the moral urgency of the issue:
“We cannot accept that women still die during pregnancy or childbirth in our region. Every birth should happen in safe conditions. It’s a responsibility we all share—not just health systems, but governments and society as a whole.”
Leading Causes of Maternal Death
Most maternal deaths in the region are preventable. The main causes include:
- Severe bleeding
- High blood pressure (preeclampsia/eclampsia)
- Infections linked to pregnancy
- Unsafe abortions
PAHO points out that the medical knowledge to prevent these outcomes already exists. The key is making sure every woman can access respectful, quality care when she needs it.
PAHO’s Call to Action
To meet the 2030 target of reducing MMR to 30, PAHO recommends several strategies:
- Universal healthcare access: Ensure women can get care regardless of location or income
- Primary healthcare approach: Strengthen first-level care to catch risks early
- Better health systems: Invest in skilled staff, equipment, and infrastructure
- Address social inequality: Focus on vulnerable groups who face greater health risks
In June 2024, PAHO launched the Zero Preventable Maternal Deaths campaign. The initiative aims to speed up action and includes improving maternal health data collection and supporting countries to implement life-saving strategies.
World Health Day 2025: A Global Commitment
Every April 7, World Health Day shines a spotlight on pressing global health issues. This year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” urges world leaders and health systems to prioritize maternal and newborn care. The campaign highlights that improving care in the early stages of life sets the foundation for healthier, more hopeful societies.
Backed by Data and Global Cooperation
The recent figures on maternal mortality come from a comprehensive UN report, Trends in Maternal Mortality Estimates, produced by the United Nations Inter-Agency Group on Maternal Mortality Estimation. This includes WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, the World Bank, and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. It analyzed data from 195 countries, replacing all prior estimates.
The report underscores that while global maternal mortality has declined, progress must accelerate if countries are to meet the Sustainable Development Goal of fewer than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.
