The World Health Organisation has reported that haemorrhage, severe bleeding, and hypertensive disorders like preeclampsia are the leading causes of maternal deaths worldwide.

In a statement on March 8, WHO reported that, according to a new study, these conditions were responsible for around 80,000 fatalities in 2020, the most recent year for which estimates are available.

The study also found that these conditions accounted for an additional 50,000 fatalities in the same year.

The report emphasises that many women still lack access to lifesaving treatments and effective care during and after pregnancy and childbirth.

Published in The Lancet Global Health, the study is the first global update on the causes of maternal deaths since the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted in 2015.

The study highlighted not only the major obstetric causes but also the impact of other health conditions, such as infectious and chronic diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, anemia, and diabetes, which contributed to nearly a quarter of pregnancy-related deaths.

The report stated that these conditions, which often go undetected or untreated until major complications arise, increase the risks for millions of women worldwide.

WHO’s Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, Dr Pascale Allotey, emphasised that understanding the causes of maternal deaths was crucial to addressing the ongoing global maternal mortality crisis.

She stressed that women everywhere needed high-quality, evidence-based healthcare before, during, and after delivery, as well as efforts to prevent and treat underlying health conditions that jeopardised their health.

According to her, in 2020, an estimated 287,000 maternal deaths occurred globally, equating to one death every two minutes.

She stated, “The WHO study reveals that haemorrhage, mostly occurring during or after childbirth, is responsible for nearly a third of maternal deaths, while preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders account for an additional 16 per cent. Preeclampsia is a serious condition characterised by high blood pressure, which can lead to haemorrhage, stroke, organ failure, and seizures if not treated promptly. Other direct causes of maternal deaths include sepsis, infections, pulmonary embolism, complications from spontaneous and induced abortions, ectopic pregnancies, and issues related to unsafe abortions, anaesthetic complications, and childbirth injuries.”

She noted that the findings highlighted the urgent need to strengthen key aspects of maternity care, including antenatal services that detect risks early and prevent severe complications.

“Life-saving obstetrics that can manage critical birth-related emergencies, such as haemorrhage or embolism, as well as postnatal care, are crucial to reducing maternal mortality,” she said.

Ms Allotey noted that most maternal deaths occurred during or shortly after childbirth, making it a critical period for saving lives.

She stated, “However, around a third of women, primarily in lower-income countries, still do not receive essential postnatal checks within the first few days after birth.”

She advised that, at the population level, broader preventive interventions could help reduce underlying health conditions, such as noncommunicable diseases and malnutrition, which increased the risks for women.

A WHO scientist and author of the study, Dr Jenny Cresswell, pointed out that multiple interrelated factors often contributed to maternal deaths.

Ms Cresswell said, “For instance, preeclampsia can significantly increase the likelihood of haemorrhage and other complications that may persist long after childbirth.”

She emphasised that a holistic approach to maternal health had been proven to improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy, safe childbirth, and lasting quality of life after delivery.

According to her, the study draws on national data reported to WHO and peer-reviewed studies, although data remains limited for some causes, such as maternal suicide, which is currently available for only 12 countries.

She added, “Furthermore, most countries do not report on late maternal deaths (those occurring within a year of childbirth), even though several conditions can pose risks far beyond childbirth itself. After delivery, many women struggle to access follow-up care, including mental health support.”

She further said that WHO was working to strengthen access to high-quality, respectful healthcare across the continuum of pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care.

Ms Cresswell stated that in 2024, WHO and its partners launched a global Roadmap for Postpartum Hemorrhage, focusing on key priorities to tackle this major cause of maternal death.

She also said that in the same year, the World Health Assembly’s 194 member countries passed a resolution committing to strengthen quality care before, during, and after childbirth.

“To galvanise global action, World Health Day 2025, marking five years from the SDG deadline, will focus on maternal and newborn health. The campaign will call for a major intensification of efforts to ensure access to high-quality, proven care for women and babies, particularly in the poorest countries and crisis settings where most maternal deaths occur.

“Beyond survival, the campaign will also emphasise the need for greater attention to women’s health, including postnatal care and support,’’ Ms Cresswell said.

(NAN)