Complications during pregnancy or childbirth led to the death of a woman approximately every two minutes in 2023, according to a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other UN agencies.
The report, published on Monday, estimates that 260,000 women died in such circumstances that year.
Maternal deaths between 2000 and 2023 decreased by 40% globally, primarily due to better access to basic health services, according to the WHO.
However, the organisation warns that the pace of improvement has slowed since 2016.
Cuts in humanitarian funding have significantly impacted health services in many regions, forcing countries to reduce essential services for mothers, infants and children, the report says.
'Unprecedented challenge'
WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasised that ensuring access to maternal health care and strengthening the reproductive rights of women and girls are critical.
"While the report presents a glimmer of hope, the data also highlights how dangerous pregnancy remains in many parts of the world today, despite the existence of solutions to prevent most maternal deaths," he said.
One of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals is to reduce maternal mortality from 328 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to less than 70 by 2030.
Achieving this goal is an "unprecedented challenge", according to the report. "Swift action is necessary to ensure maternal health and end the tragedy of maternal mortality. Women have the right not only to survive pregnancy but also to thrive in good health."
