WHO Raises Alarm Over 178,000 Maternal Deaths Annually in Africa, Calls for Urgent Action

In a sobering revelation tied to this year’s World Health Day commemorations, the World Health Organization (WHO) has disclosed that the African region continues to suffer a staggering toll from maternal and newborn deaths. The organization reported that around 178,000 mothers and one million newborns die each year in Africa, largely from preventable causes.

This year’s World Health Day, marked annually on April 7, is centered on the theme “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures”—a call to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes across the continent.

CORAN Says Petrol Could Drop To ₦350/Litre If Crude Falls To $50, But Market Forces Defy Logic

Health Challenges Continue to Threaten Lives in Africa

Although maternal mortality in Africa has declined by 40% since 2000—from 727 to 442 deaths per 100,000 live births—the region still accounts for a disproportionate 70% of global maternal deaths. According to the latest estimates by the United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Interagency Group, the region is not on track to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target of fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. At the current rate of reduction (2.2% per year), the region is projected to record nearly 350 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030—five times the SDG benchmark.

Similarly, progress in reducing stillbirths and neonatal deaths has been insufficient. While there have been declines of 30% and 33% respectively between 2000 and 2023, sub-Saharan Africa still contributes 47% of stillbirths and 46% of global newborn deaths. If the trend persists, neonatal mortality in the region is expected to be double the SDG target of 12 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2030.

“In too many places, pregnancy and childbirth are still life-threatening events,” said Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa. “But it doesn’t have to be this way. Every dollar invested in maternal and newborn health delivers major returns: healthier families, stronger societies, and sustainable economic growth.”

Preventable Causes and Structural Challenges Hampering Progress

WHO identified several leading causes of maternal deaths in the region, including postpartum haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, infections, unsafe abortion, and obstructed labour—all of which are largely preventable or manageable with proper medical attention. For newborns, preterm birth complications, neonatal sepsis, infections, and congenital anomalies remain the most common fatal conditions.

The organization also noted that inadequate financing, weak health systems, workforce shortages, and recurring shocks such as disease outbreaks and conflicts disrupt maternal and child healthcare delivery, especially in fragile and crisis-affected settings.

Despite these challenges, WHO acknowledged progress in some areas. Over 60% of countries in the African region now report that more than 80% of births are attended by skilled health personnel, up from just 28% in 2010. However, rural and conflict-affected zones still experience acute shortages of maternal care services.

WHO Urges Governments to Scale Up Efforts

As part of its intervention strategy, WHO is supporting African countries with maternal and newborn health acceleration plans, promoting antenatal and postnatal care guidelines, and encouraging the expansion of emergency obstetric services. The agency also aims to bolster care for small and sick newborns and tackle the social and economic inequalities that hinder access to quality healthcare.

WHO’s call-to-action on World Health Day 2025 urges governments, donors, and communities to prioritize maternal and child health as central to broader development goals.

The message is clear: achieving healthy beginnings for Africa’s mothers and newborns is not just a healthcare priority, but a moral imperative—one that requires collective commitment and sustained investment across all levels of society.