Every two minutes, a pregnant woman or new mother dies. Most of these deaths are preventable. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 287,000 maternal deaths occurred in 2020. The majority of these deaths happened in low-income countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Despite progress, maternal death rates are still too high. We must improve healthcare services in these areas to save lives.
Main Causes of Maternal Deaths
There are several key causes of maternal deaths. Severe bleeding, also known as postpartum hemorrhage, is one of the top causes. Preeclampsia, which is high blood pressure during pregnancy, is another major contributor. Other causes include infections, pregnancy-related chronic conditions, and unsafe abortions. Blood clots and sepsis (a life-threatening infection) also play a role. Suicide rates are rising among new mothers, which calls for better mental health support in maternal care.
The Problem of Limited Healthcare Access
The lack of access to emergency care is a major issue in many low-income countries. In rural areas, many women do not have the medical care they need. For example, hemorrhages can be fatal within two hours if not treated. High blood pressure complications, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean, can lead to death without proper care. These deaths are preventable, but healthcare is not always available.
Many women face life-threatening complications. For every maternal death, one in 20 women experiences what is called a “near-miss.” In sub-Saharan Africa, this highlights the serious issue of healthcare access. Even if death is avoided, a woman’s health can still be severely impacted.
Efforts to Reduce Maternal Deaths
There have been efforts to reduce maternal mortality. Since 2000, 69 countries have halved their maternal death rates. Sub-Saharan Africa has reduced its rates by 33%. This progress is the result of better healthcare infrastructure and increased access to skilled birth attendants. Stronger coordination between obstetric, emergency, and mental health services has helped reduce maternal deaths in many countries.
However, significant challenges remain. The COVID-19 pandemic made the situation worse. Lockdowns and disruptions to healthcare services meant many women lost access to essential care during pregnancy and childbirth. Hospitals were overwhelmed, and many healthcare workers were unavailable. On top of that, funding cuts to maternal health programs in some countries have made it harder to provide the care needed.
The Need for More Investment in Maternal Health
To continue making progress, more investment in healthcare systems is needed. This is especially important in low-income countries. Stronger coordination between different areas of healthcare, such as obstetrics, emergency care, and mental health services, is essential. Investment in healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural areas, would ensure women have access to the care they need during pregnancy and childbirth.
The WHO and other global organizations have called for universal access to quality maternal healthcare. This includes providing antenatal care, skilled birth attendants, emergency obstetric care, and mental health support. These services can save lives and reduce the risk of complications that can lead to maternal death.
The Importance of Mental Health in Maternal Care
Mental health support for new mothers is increasingly important. Many women suffer from postpartum depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues. In some cases, these conditions can lead to suicide. Addressing mental health is now seen as a crucial part of maternal care. Providing mental health support can help reduce the risk of these tragic outcomes.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
The road ahead is still difficult. Many women in low-income and conflict-affected areas continue to face a high risk of maternal death. The COVID-19 pandemic showed how vulnerable maternal health systems can be. This highlighted the need for better preparation and more investment in healthcare.
Governments, international organizations, and healthcare providers need to work together to ensure maternal health is prioritized. This means increasing funding, improving access to care, and making sure women receive the services they need during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
We cannot afford to lose more mothers. While there has been progress, maternal death rates remain a global issue. Governments and global organizations must continue to work together to improve healthcare access, especially in underserved areas. Only with a united effort and continued investment can we reduce maternal death rates and ensure that every mother has the chance to survive and thrive.
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