India’s Maternal Mortality: A Slowing Decline and the Road Ahead
India continues to grapple with a significant burden of maternal deaths, ranking among the countries with the highest numbers globally. A recent study published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology &. Women’s Health reveals that although progress has been made, the rate of decline has slowed since 2015. Approximately 24,700 Indian women died in 2023 due to pregnancy and childbirth-related causes, contributing to a global total of 240,000 deaths.
From Sharp Declines to a Plateau
The journey towards reducing maternal mortality in India has been marked by distinct phases. A dramatic fall occurred between 1990 and 2015, dropping from around 119,000 deaths to 36,900. This improvement was fueled by increased institutional deliveries, better antenatal care, and broader public health initiatives. However, the pace of reduction has diminished in recent years, indicating systemic challenges that require focused attention. By 2023, the maternal mortality ratio had decreased to 116 deaths per 100,000 live births, a substantial gain, but still indicating unfinished function.
Preventable Causes Remain a Major Concern
Despite advancements, the underlying causes of maternal deaths in India remain largely preventable. Haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, infections, and complications arising from pre-existing conditions continue to be major contributors. Delays in accessing quality care, coupled with uneven regional access, exacerbate these issues. This highlights the need for strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring equitable distribution of resources.
Regional Disparities and the Need for Targeted Interventions
The impact of maternal mortality isn’t uniform across India. States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu are nearing global targets, demonstrating the effectiveness of robust healthcare systems. Conversely, states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh continue to report higher maternal mortality rates, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and focused resource allocation. Addressing these regional disparities is crucial for achieving nationwide progress.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic presented a significant setback to global maternal health efforts. Disruptions to healthcare services, including antenatal care and deliveries, led to an increase in maternal deaths in several regions. While the full extent of the pandemic’s impact is still being assessed, it serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of healthcare systems and the importance of preparedness.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Gains and Addressing Challenges
Experts emphasize the need to sustain the gains made in maternal health, strengthen public health systems, and improve the quality of care, particularly for high-risk pregnancies and underserved populations. Renewed focus and strategic investments are essential to prevent a reversal of progress and to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal of making childbirth safer for all women.
FAQ
Q: What is the maternal mortality ratio?
A: The maternal mortality ratio is the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
Q: What are the main causes of maternal deaths in India?
A: The main causes include haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, infections, and complications from pre-existing conditions.
Q: Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected maternal mortality rates?
A: Yes, the pandemic disrupted healthcare services and contributed to additional maternal deaths in several regions.
Q: What can be done to further reduce maternal mortality in India?
A: Strengthening healthcare systems, improving access to quality care, and addressing regional disparities are crucial steps.
Did you understand? More than half of the countries globally have not yet reached the Sustainable Development Goal target of fewer than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
Learn more about India’s Universal Immunisation Programme here.
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