South-East Asia recorded 53pc reduction in maternal mortality ratio since 2010: WHO

IANS April 7, 2025 234 views

The World Health Organization has reported remarkable progress in maternal health across South-East Asia, with a 53% reduction in maternal mortality since 2010. Regional Director Saima Wazed highlighted significant achievements, including reduced mortality rates for mothers, newborns, and children. Despite these improvements, challenges remain, with approximately 2,700 mothers still dying monthly from preventable causes. The organization emphasizes the importance of Universal Health Coverage and coordinated efforts to continue improving maternal and child health in the region.

"Our health begins before birth. It is a multigenerational inheritance" - Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director
New Delhi, April 7: The South-East Asia region recorded a 53 per cent reduction in maternal mortality ratio (MMR) since 2010, said the World Health Organization (WHO) on World Health Day on Monday.

Key Points

1

South-East Asia achieves unprecedented maternal health progress

2

Region reduces maternal mortality by 53% since 2010

3

2,700 mothers still die monthly despite improvements

4

Universal Health Coverage crucial for sustained progress

World Health Day is observed every year on April 7.

Saima Wazed, Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia noted how the region made significant progress in the last years, in improving maternal and child health.

From 2010 onwards, the SE Asia region achieved the highest reduction in the stillbirth rate, and in the maternal, newborn, and child mortality rates, compared to all other WHO regions and the global average.

“We recorded a 53 per cent reduction in the maternal mortality ratio (MMR), a 44 per cent reduction in the neonatal mortality rate (NMR), a 39 per cent reduction in the stillbirth rate (SBR), and a 49 per cent reduction in the under-five mortality rate (U5MR),” said Wazed.

She noted how the region for the first time “reported an MMR of below 100 per 100,000 live births (currently 96)”.

From 2016 to 2023, Maternal Mortality in the region reduced by an average of 5.1 per cent per year -- more than three times the global reduction rate.

However, despite progress, the region continues to see maternal deaths, said Wazed.

“The stark reality is that in our region today, approximately 2,700 mothers and 45,000 newborns still die every month. We tragically see about 34,600 stillbirths each month. Most of these deaths are from preventable causes,” the Regional Director said.

Addressing this -- whether through coverage, quality of evidence-based intervention packages, or socio-economic factors -- requires a concerted and coordinated effort from all stakeholders, she noted.

"Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures" is the first World Health Day theme dedicated to maternal and newborn health since 2005.

“Our health begins before birth. It is a multigenerational inheritance, bequeathed from our grandparents to our parents to us. This means that when we improve the health of our people today, the effects ripple across time and uplift generations yet unborn,” said Wazed.

“The health of mothers and their newborns, therefore, is vital not just for our communities today, but for all who will come after us,” she added.

Wazed called for boosting Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which aims to provide a healthcare system where everyone can access quality services without financial burden; and strengthening primary healthcare systems to deliver inclusive, equitable care.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is such encouraging news! The progress in maternal healthcare in our region is truly remarkable. My sister recently had a baby and the care she received was excellent compared to what our mother experienced. More work needed but we're moving in the right direction 👏
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Rahul S.
While the reduction is impressive, 2,700 mothers still dying every month is unacceptable. We need to focus on rural areas where healthcare access remains poor. The numbers hide huge disparities between urban and rural regions.
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Anjali M.
As a nurse working in maternal health for 15 years, I've seen firsthand how education and community health programs make a difference. The focus on primary healthcare is exactly what we need! ❤️
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David L.
Interesting data. I wonder how much of this improvement comes from economic development versus specific healthcare interventions? Would love to see more analysis on what's driving these positive changes.
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Siti N.
The "healthy beginnings" theme is so important! We need to keep investing in maternal health - healthy moms mean healthy families and stronger communities. Let's keep this momentum going!
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Minh T.
Great progress but we can't become complacent. The article mentions preventable causes - we need to identify exactly what these are and target them specifically. Maybe more mobile clinics for remote areas? 🏥

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
WHO Maternal Mortality South-East Asia Saima Wazed World Health Day Healthcare
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