MATERNAL MORTALITY: TRENDS, CAUSES AND FUTURE PROJECTIONS

Dr. Shama Bashir, Dr. Aqsa Ikram-ul-Haq, Dr. Rubaba Abid Naqvi

Rawalpindi Medical University, Pakistan

INTRODUCTION

Maternal mortality remains a key indicator of health system performance and women's health status globally. Despite significant global efforts, maternal deaths continue to pose a serious public health challenge, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Over the past five years (2020–2024), trends in maternal mortality have shown varied trajectories, influenced by socio-economic factors, healthcare access & quality of obstetric care.

 OBJECTIVES

To understand the magnitude and causes of maternal mortalities in last five years and explore the strategies for reduction of maternal mortality ratio.

METHODS

Retrospective data collected from the audits(2020-2024) from Obstetrics & Gynaecology department of Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital, Pakistan and frequency of causes for maternal mortalities determined leading to maternal mortality ratio calculated.

CONCLUSIONS

 

It is concluded that the most causes of maternal mortalities are preventable and it is inevitable to implement strategies for timely diagnosis, treatment and referrel to decrease maternal mortality ratio for achieving target of 70 per 100,000 livebirth till 2030 (SDG 3).