Released By
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG)
(Includes WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, World Bank Group, UN DESA)
📊 Key Global Highlights (2023)
Total Maternal Deaths (2023): ~260,000 (712 deaths/day)
Reduction since 2000: 40% decline globally
No country now falls in the “extremely high MMR” category
No region classified as having very high MMR for the first time
🌍 Regional Disparities
Sub-Saharan Africa:
▸ 70% of global maternal deaths
Central & Southern Asia:
▸ 17% of global maternal deaths
Fragile/conflict-affected countries (37 total):
▸ Accounted for 64% of all deaths
🇮🇳 India-Specific Data
Maternal Deaths (2023): 19,000
▸ Tied with DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo)
▸ Second highest globally after Nigeria
MMR (Maternal Mortality Ratio):
▸ 2000: 362 deaths per 1 lakh live births
▸ 2023: 80 deaths per 1 lakh
▸ Decline: 78% over 23 years
Share of Global Maternal Deaths:
▸ India: 7.2%
▸ Pakistan: 4.1% (11,000 deaths)
▸ Nigeria: 28.7% (75,000 deaths)
🔍 Comparison with China
China’s maternal deaths (2023): Just 1,400, despite similar population
🦠 Impact of COVID-19
2021 maternal deaths: 322,000
▸ Sharp increase from 282,000 in 2020
▸ Due to second wave of COVID-19
▸ Estimated 40,000 additional maternal deaths in 2021
Leading Cause of Maternal Deaths
Haemorrhage remains the top direct obstetric cause globally
🧭 Conclusion: While significant progress has been made in reducing maternal mortality worldwide, inequalities persist, especially
in low-income, fragile, or conflict-affected countries. India has shown notable progress, but the absolute number of deaths
remains high, demanding continued investment in maternal healthcare and emergency obstetric services