A midwife listens to an unborn baby’s heartbeat at a health center in Chiradzulu, Malawi.
Thoko
Recent reports from United Nations agencies highlight that reductions in international aid, particularly from major donors like the United States and the United Kingdom, are jeopardizing decades of progress in reducing maternal mortality rates. Between 2000 and 2023, global maternal deaths declined by 40%, largely due to improved access to healthcare services. However, funding cuts are now causing clinic closures, staff layoffs, and shortages of essential medicines, particularly in conflict-affected regions where pregnant women already face heightened risks.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that these aid reductions could have “pandemic-like effects” on maternal health, potentially leading to a significant increase in preventable deaths. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, there was a surge of 40,000 maternal deaths, illustrating the devastating impact of healthcare system disruptions.
In Afghanistan, the suspension of U.S. funding for foreign development assistance, including sexual and reproductive health services, is projected to result in over 1,000 additional maternal deaths between 2025 and 2028. This situation is exacerbated by policies such as the Taliban’s requirement for women to have a male escort when seeking medical care, leading to delays and increased mortality.
To meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal of reducing maternal mortality to fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births, current reduction rates must increase tenfold. UN agencies are calling for urgent restoration and enhancement of funding for maternal, newborn, and child health services to prevent further regression and safeguard the lives of women and children globally.
