Key Data for 2023
The report clarifies that while India has made significant strides in maternal health, the absolute volume of deaths remains high due to the country’s large population and birth rate.
| Country | Total Maternal Deaths (2023) | Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) |
| Nigeria | 32,900 | Highest global total |
| India | 24,700 | 116 per 1 lakh live births |
| Ethiopia | 11,900 | Concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa |
| Pakistan | 10,300 | High burden in South Asia |
Global and Regional Trends
The analysis, part of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 research, highlights that progress in reducing maternal deaths has slowed globally since 2015.
- Global Burden: The world saw a total of 2.4 lakh maternal deaths in 2023. The global maternal mortality ratio stands at 190.5 per lakh live births, a decline of more than one-third since 1990.
- Leading Causes: Maternal haemorrhage (excessive bleeding) and hypertensive disorders (such as pre-eclampsia) continue to be the primary causes, responsible for over 40% of deaths globally.
- SDG Targets: 104 out of 204 countries have yet to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing the MMR to below 70 per lakh live births by 2030.
India’s Progress and Discrepancies
While the IHME study estimates India’s MMR at 116, domestic data from the Union Health Ministry paints a more optimistic picture of the country’s trajectory.
- Official Indian Figures: According to the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) 2021-23, India’s MMR stands at 88 per lakh live births.
- Unprecedented Decline: Government sources highlight an 86% reduction in MMR since 1990, significantly higher than the global average reduction of 48%. This success is attributed to programs like Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and improved access to institutional deliveries.
- Impact of COVID-19: The IHME study noted that the pandemic caused temporary setbacks in maternal mortality during 2020–2021 before widespread vaccination, though most regions have since returned to pre-pandemic trends.
Sources
- The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health: “Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 Maternal Mortality Study” (Published March 2026).
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME): “Global maternal deaths fell to 240,000 in 2023” (Official Release, March 26, 2026).
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “India among countries with highest total maternal deaths in 2023: Global analysis” (Updated March 28, 2026).
- UN-MMEIG Report: “Trends in Maternal Mortality 2000 to 2023” (Published April 2025).
Leave a Reply