Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 8: A new study by the World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that severe bleeding (haemorrhage) and high blood pressure disorders, such as preeclampsia, are responsible for over 100,000 pregnancy-related deaths annually across the globe.
According to the report, published in The Lancet Global Health, an estimated 287,000 maternal deaths occurred in 2020, equating to one death every two minutes. The data underscores the urgent need for improved maternal healthcare worldwide.
Haemorrhage, which primarily occurs during or after childbirth, emerged as the leading cause, accounting for 27% of maternal deaths (approximately 80,000 cases). Preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders contributed to another 16% (around 50,000 deaths). Preeclampsia, a severe pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure, can escalate into haemorrhage, strokes, organ failure, and seizures if not treated in time.
Dr Pascale Allotey, Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at WHO, emphasized the critical importance of addressing maternal health challenges.
"Understanding why pregnant women and mothers are dying is key to tackling the global maternal mortality crisis. Women everywhere deserve high-quality, evidence-based care before, during, and after childbirth to improve survival rates," she stated.
The study further identified infectious and chronic diseases, including HIV/AIDS, malaria, anaemia, and diabetes, as major contributors to 23% of maternal deaths. These conditions often remain undiagnosed or untreated until they lead to severe complications, increasing risks for millions of women worldwide.
Other leading causes of maternal deaths included sepsis, pulmonary embolism, and complications from miscarriages or unsafe abortions. Alarmingly, a third of women in lower-income countries still lack access to essential postnatal check-ups in the critical first days following childbirth.
The findings stress the urgent need to strengthen maternal healthcare systems, with a focus on early detection of risks, antenatal services, and timely medical interventions to prevent life-threatening complications.