India recorded 24,700 maternal deaths per one lakh live births in 2023, placing it among the countries in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa with the highest maternal death burden, according to a new global analysis published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Women’s Health. The findings come as the world continues to make progress on maternal mortality, but not fast enough to meet global targets in many countries.
The study, led by researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the US’ University of Washington, along with global collaborators, said maternal deaths have declined over the past three decades, but the pace of improvement has slowed and remains uneven across regions. The Global Burden of Disease 2023 research provides the most up-to-date assessment of maternal mortality trends across 204 countries and territories through 2023.
The global picture shows both progress and persistent gaps. Researchers estimated that there were 2.4 lakh maternal deaths worldwide in 2023, equivalent to a global maternal mortality ratio of 190.5 maternal deaths per one lakh live births. That marks a decline of more than one-third from 321 maternal deaths per one lakh live births in 1990.
Even so, the report said 104 of 204 countries and territories have not yet met the Sustainable Development Goal target of fewer than 70 maternal deaths per one lakh live births. The authors said the remaining gap highlights the need for renewed action and sustained investment, especially with less than five years left to achieve the target.
India’s figure was higher than Pakistan’s, which was estimated at 10,300 maternal deaths per one lakh live births in 2023. Among the African countries cited in the analysis, Ethiopia recorded 11,900 maternal deaths per one lakh live births, while Nigeria had 32,900.
The study found that the leading causes of maternal deaths vary by location, but maternal haemorrhage and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy accounted for the largest share of deaths globally. Researchers said improved access to antenatal care, safe delivery services, emergency obstetric care and post-partum follow-up could substantially reduce mortality, particularly in countries with the highest burden.
The analysis also noted that COVID-19 contributed to higher maternal mortality early in the pandemic. Before widespread vaccination, during 2020 and 2021, COVID-19 caused temporary increases in maternal deaths in regions and locations with high COVID-19 mortality.
The findings add to concerns over the pace of progress in maternal health, even as the long-term trend points downward. Researchers said stronger health systems, better monitoring and continued investment will be critical to bringing down deaths further and improving outcomes for mothers worldwide.
