Trends in Maternal Mortality 2000-2023: Estimates by WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, World Bank Group and UNDESA/Population Division

Trends in Maternal Mortality: 2000 to 2023 is a new report from the United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG), comprising WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, the World Bank Group, and UNDESA/Population Division. It presents the most up to date, internationally-comparable estimates of maternal deaths at global, regional, and country levels.

In 2023, an estimated 260,000 maternal deaths occurred worldwide, equivalent to 712 deaths each day. This marks a 40% reduction in maternal mortality since 2000, reflecting sustained global efforts to improve access to essential health services. For the first time, no country was estimated to have an extremely high maternal mortality ratio (MMR), and no region was classified as having a very high MMR.

Despite these gains, disparities remain stark. Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 70% of global maternal deaths, with Central and Southern Asia contributing nearly 17%. In 2023, 37 countries were classified as being in conflict or experiencing institutional or social fragility, yet they accounted for 64% of global maternal deaths.

While maternal mortality spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic, levels have since returned to pre-pandemic trends. However, current progress is insufficient to meet the Sustainable Development Goal of fewer than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. The report calls for urgent, targeted investments to accelerate progress and ensure all women have access to the care they need.