International Day for Maternal Health and Rights
The World Health Organisation estimates that around 830 women die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth every day. This rate is exacerbated by lack of access to care due to poor availability, affordability, and quality.
Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals is Good Health and Well-Being. One of the targets is a reduction in the global maternal mortality ratio to below 70 per 100000 live births.
In 2015, the maternal mortality rate was 239 per 100 000 live births in developing countries, and 12 per 100 000 live births in developed countries.
The WHO states that 99% of all maternal deaths occur in developing countries, with more than half occurring in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Goal 3 of the SDGs recognises that an essential component of good health is universal access to sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning, information and education. It calls for the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programmes by 2030. It also commits governments to achieving universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all. Achievement of a lower maternal mortality rate depends on these health goals, which provide a roadmap to achieving the overall Sustainable Development Goals.
Find resources related to Maternal Health and Rights here.
Share any activities you or your organisation are involved in, reports, or other information on Maternal Health and Rights here, or by emailing abbeyhudson@aids.org.za.