By Fatima Saka
Each year, an estimated 178,000 mothers and 1 million newborns die in the African region, many from preventable causes, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), which has raised fresh concerns over maternal mortality rates.
While maternal and newborn mortality rates in Africa have declined over the years, progress remains slow, WHO emphasized in its latest report. The organization sounded the alarm on Monday in commemoration of World Health Day, observed annually on April 7. This year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” highlights the urgent need to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes across the continent.
Slow Progress in Maternal Mortality Reduction
According to WHO, Africa has made progress in reducing maternal deaths since 2000, but achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target—fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030—requires a twelvefold increase in the annual reduction rate. Data from the United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Interagency Group indicate that:
Maternal mortality declined by 40% from 727 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 442 in 2023. However, Africa still accounts for 70% of global maternal deaths.
At the current annual reduction rate of 2.2%, maternal mortality is projected to remain high at nearly 350 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030—five times higher than the SDG target.
Although stillbirth and neonatal mortality rates declined by 30% and 33%, respectively, between 2000 and 2023, sub-Saharan Africa still accounts for 47% of global stillbirths and 46% of newborn deaths. The region’s neonatal mortality rate is projected to be nearly double the SDG target of 12 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2030.
WHO Calls for Urgent Action
This year’s World Health Day theme underscores the need for governments, donors, and communities to prioritize maternal and newborn health and prevent avoidable deaths. Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, stressed the urgency of the situation, saying:
> “In too many places, pregnancy and childbirth are still life-threatening events. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Every dollar invested in maternal and newborn health delivers major returns: healthier families, stronger societies, and sustainable economic growth.”
Key Barriers to Progress
Despite progress, several factors continue to hinder efforts to reduce maternal and newborn mortality in Africa. These include:
Inadequate financing for healthcare services
Weak governance and health systems
Shortages of skilled health personnel
Recurring crises such as disease outbreaks and conflicts, which disrupt healthcare services
Women and children in fragile and conflict-affected settings are particularly vulnerable to these challenges.
Preventable Causes of Death
The leading causes of maternal deaths in Africa include:
Hemorrhage
Hypertensive disorders
Infections
Unsafe abortion
Obstructed labor
Most of these conditions are preventable or treatable with timely and quality care. Among newborns, preterm births, birth complications, infections, and congenital anomalies are the primary causes of death.
WHO’s Response and the Road Ahead
WHO is working with African governments to implement various interventions aimed at reducing maternal and newborn mortality. These include:
Rolling out maternal and newborn health acceleration plans
Expanding antenatal and postnatal care services
Increasing access to skilled birth attendants and emergency obstetric care
Strengthening specialized care for premature and sick newborns
Addressing social and economic disparities affecting healthcare access
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2025 World Health Day: FG Pledges to Reducing Maternal, Infant Mortality
Currently, more than 60% of African countries report that over 80% of births are attended by skilled health personnel—a significant improvement from 28% in 2010. However, rural and conflict-affected regions still face critical shortages.
Call for Collective Action
World Health Day 2025 marks the beginning of a year-long campaign to drive investments and policy actions in maternal and newborn health. WHO and its partners are calling for stronger leadership, accountability, and collaboration to ensure that no woman dies while giving life and every child has a chance to thrive.
The message is clear: investing in maternal and newborn health is not just a health imperative but a crucial step toward stronger families, resilient societies, and sustainable development.
