An update on maternal mortality in low-resource countries

Maternal mortality constitutes a major problem in the context of women’s health. All regions experienced a decline in maternal mortality ratio (MMR) between 1990 and 2010. Among those women who do not die, 300 million are currently living with health problems and disabilities caused by complications of pregnancy and childbirth. MMR in sub-Saharan Africa remains high, at more than 450 maternal deaths per 100 000 live births. It is currently accepted that in many areas the Millennium Development Goals will not have been achieved by 2015 and in some countries, if current trends continue, they will not be reached until after 2040. Maternal mortality is much more than just a health problem. It involves lack of respect for women’s basic human rights and failure to show the disadvantages and risks to which they are exposed.