WHO Report: Maternal Deaths in Conflict Zones

A report released by the World Health Organization and its partners, including the United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Population Fund, UNICEF, and the World Bank Group, reveals that nearly two-thirds of all maternal deaths worldwide occur in countries affected by conflict or fragility. In 2023, an estimated 160,000 women died from preventable maternal causes in these settings, despite accounting for only one in ten global live births. The risk of maternal death for women in conflict-affected countries is five times higher than in stable countries. The report details how crises disrupt health systems, making it difficult to deliver lifesaving maternal care. It also provides case studies from countries like Colombia, Ethiopia, Haiti, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, and Ukraine, showcasing innovative approaches to maintain maternal health services amidst instability. The findings emphasize the urgent need for health system strengthening, investment in primary healthcare, and improved data collection in hard-to-reach areas.