According to a new report released by the United Nations agencies, India recorded the second largest number of maternal deaths in the world in 2023, sharing the situation with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Both countries reported about 19,000 maternal deaths, on an average 52 deaths every day.

The World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, United Nations Population Fund, World Bank and United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Define maternal deaths due to complications during pregnancy or delivery.

According to the report, estimated 2.6 lakh women died globally in 2023 due to pregnancy -related complications – about one death every two minutes.

The United Nations report also warned that recent cuts in humanitarian aid were disrupting important health services in many countries.

These include closure of hospitals, lack of health workers, and treatment for lifestyle drugs such as bleeding (excessive bleeding from a damaged blood vessel), east-eclampsia (a pregnancy complexity characterized by hypertension and protein in urine), and issues affecting access to malaria.

Nigeria topped the list with about 75,000 maternal deaths, accounting for more than a quarter, ie, 28.7%of all maternal deaths worldwide.

Pakistan was the only other country to report more than 11,000 deaths.

Together, Nigeria, India, DRC and Pakistan made almost half of all global maternal deaths in 2023.

In contrast, China, whose population size is equal to India, reported only 1,400 maternal deaths last year.

Most of the maternal deaths, reports, are stated, are eligible to be stopped. Major causes include bleeding, pregnancy high blood pressure disorders, infections and unsafe miscarriage.

Chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease also increase risk for pregnant women.

India’s maternal mortality ratio (MMR), the number of maternal deaths per 1 lakh living births, has fallen from 362 to 80 to 80 in 2000 to 2023. This is a decline of 78%.

Similarly, China’s MMR fell from 56 in the same period, revealed in the report.

Globally, maternal death fell from 2000 to 2023 to 40%, mostly due to better access to health services.

However, Pragati has slowed down rapidly since 2016.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Gabrisus, the Director General, said that pregnancy is dangerous for many women worldwide. “Solutions exist, but they are not reaching those who need them most,” they said.