In 2020, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Chad recorded alarmingly high maternal mortality rates, according to a report released by United Nations agencies. The report, titled “Trends in Maternal Mortality,” tracked maternal deaths at national, regional, and global levels from 2000 to 2020. It estimated that there were approximately 287,000 maternal deaths worldwide in 2020, reflecting only a slight decrease from 309,000 in 2016, the year when the Sustainable Development Goals were implemented.
The report highlighted significant disparities in maternal mortality rates among different countries and regions. It indicated that three countries in sub-Saharan Africa had extremely high Maternal Mortality Ratios (MMR) in 2020, each exceeding 1,000: South Sudan (1,223; UI 746 to 2009), Chad (1,063; UI 772 to 1,586), and Nigeria (1,047; UI 793 to 1,565). Outside of sub-Saharan Africa, only Haiti reported a high MMR of 350 (UI 239 to 550), while Afghanistan had a very high MMR of 620 (UI 406 to 1,050) in the same year.
The report also noted that Nigeria had the highest absolute number of maternal deaths, which is reflective of its larger population size. In response to the findings, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, emphasized that pregnancy should be a time of hope and positivity for all women. However, he lamented that for millions around the world who lack access to high-quality and respectful healthcare, it remains a shockingly dangerous experience.
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