United Nations estimates highlight urgent need for drastic acceleration in progress to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths on the continent.
Africa is at a critical crossroads in the fight to reduce maternal and newborn mortality. According to new estimates released by the United Nations, the continent must increase its annual rate of progress twelvefold to meet the global target of reducing maternal deaths by 2030. Despite significant strides in recent decades, Africa still bears the burden of seven out of every ten maternal deaths worldwide. The findings, published by the UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Interagency Group, reveal that while maternal mortality rates in Africa have halved since 2000, the continent remains far from achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by the end of the decade.
Current State of Maternal and Newborn Health in Africa
The new data shows that maternal mortality in Africa has decreased from 727 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 442 in 2023. Although this represents progress, it is still well above the SDG target, and Africa’s maternal death rates are significantly higher than those in other regions of the world. An estimated 178,000 women in Africa die every year due to complications from pregnancy and childbirth. Tragically, nearly one million newborns also perish annually, many from causes that are preventable with access to timely and quality healthcare.
Common causes of maternal deaths in the region include haemorrhage, high blood pressure, infections, unsafe abortion, and obstructed labour. Newborns are most often affected by preterm birth complications, sepsis, birth trauma, and congenital anomalies.
“These are deaths that don’t have to happen,” said Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa. “But in too many places, pregnancy and childbirth remain life-threatening.”
Slow Progress and Stark Disparities
While progress is being made, the pace remains far too slow to meet global targets. From 2000 to 2023, Africa achieved a modest 2.2% annual reduction in maternal deaths. At this rate, Africa is projected to reach nearly 350 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030—five times the global target. This slower pace is compounded by the stark disparities between countries and regions within Africa, with sub-Saharan Africa particularly lagging behind.
In addition to the maternal mortality crisis, sub-Saharan Africa is also off track to meet global newborn survival goals. Although neonatal mortality dropped by 33% and stillbirths fell by 30% since 2000, the region still accounts for 46% of global newborn deaths and 47% of stillbirths. The neonatal mortality rate is projected to remain more than double the SDG target of 12 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2030.
Challenges Contributing to Slow Progress
Several factors contribute to Africa’s slow progress in maternal and newborn health. Key challenges include underfunded health systems, shortages of skilled healthcare workers, weak healthcare infrastructure, and the ongoing impacts of conflicts and disease outbreaks. These barriers are especially pronounced in fragile and rural settings, where access to essential maternal and child health services remains severely limited.
While over 60% of African countries now report that more than 80% of births are attended by skilled health workers—up from just 28% in 2010—rural areas and conflict zones continue to face acute service gaps. These disparities exacerbate the risks faced by women and newborns, particularly those in hard-to-reach or unstable regions.
World Health Day 2025: A Call for Urgent Action
This year’s World Health Day, celebrated on April 7 under the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” placed maternal and newborn health at the forefront of global health discussions. The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging governments, donors, and local communities to urgently scale up investments and interventions to accelerate progress toward meeting the SDG targets.
“We cannot afford to lose more women and babies to preventable causes,” said Dr. Ihekweazu. “Healthier mothers mean healthier societies, and improving maternal and newborn outcomes is one of the smartest investments a country can make.” The WHO is working closely with African governments to implement national acceleration plans, revise antenatal and postnatal care guidelines, and expand emergency obstetric and newborn care services across the region.
A Roadmap for the Future: Meeting the 2030 Goal
As the deadline for meeting the SDG targets approaches, the UN and WHO are calling for bold leadership and stronger partnerships to close the existing gaps in maternal and newborn healthcare. The need for sustained financing, particularly in the most vulnerable regions, is critical. Investments in health systems, workforce training, and healthcare infrastructure are essential to ensuring that no woman dies while giving life, and every child has the opportunity to survive and thrive.
The road to 2030 requires a collective, focused effort from governments, international organizations, and civil society to address the systemic challenges hindering progress. There is still time to make significant improvements, but urgent action is needed to avoid further delays and preventable losses.
The focus on maternal and newborn health during World Health Day 2025 serves as a reminder that these are not just statistics—they are lives at stake. Ensuring that every woman has access to the care she needs, and every newborn has the chance to survive and thrive, is not just a moral imperative but a critical step toward building healthier, more resilient societies across Africa.
With determined leadership and concerted action, Africa can still meet the 2030 goal of dramatically reducing maternal and newborn deaths, turning the tide on preventable deaths that continue to rob too many women and children of their futures.
