Facts and figures tell us a lot of things we need to know about vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children and adolescents.
Mortality figures and Maternal health
- 94% of all maternal deaths occur in low and lower middle-income countries.
- Young adolescents (ages 10-14) face a higher risk of complications and death as a result of pregnancy than other women.
- Skilled care before, during and after childbirth can save the lives of women and newborns.
- Maternal mortality is unacceptably high.
- About 295 000 women died during and following pregnancy and childbirth in 2017.
- Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia accounted for approximately 86% (254 000) of the estimated global maternal deaths in 2017.
- Sub-Saharan Africa alone accounted for roughly two-thirds (196 000) of maternal deaths, while Southern Asia accounted for nearly one-fifth (58 000).
- Overall, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in less-developed countries declined by just under 50%.
CREDIT: WHO