New Global Burden of Disease Study Reveals Slowing Progress in Reducing Maternal Deaths as 240,000 Women Die Annually

A 2023 IHME study reveals maternal mortality declines have slowed to 0.5% annually, leaving 240,000 dead and global health targets at risk.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 27, 2026, 10:12 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.

HEADLINE

New Global Burden of Disease Study Reveals Slowing Progress in Reducing Maternal Deaths as 240,000 Women Die Annually

SUMMARY

A comprehensive 2023 study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation found that while global maternal mortality has decreased over three decades, the rate of decline has stalled since 2015. Despite modern medical advancements, nearly 240,000 women died from pregnancy-related causes in 2023, with the highest burdens concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

CONTENT

The Stagnation of Global Maternal Health Improvements