NEW DELHI (Saturday, March 28, 2026) — A comprehensive global study published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Women’s Health has revealed that India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) plummeted by nearly 80% over the last three decades. The analysis, conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), highlights a significant shift in maternal health outcomes despite a recent global slowdown in progress.
Key Findings: The Shift from 1990 to 2023
The study tracks the transition of India from a high-burden nation to one making rapid strides toward international safety benchmarks.
- MMR Decline: India’s ratio dropped from 508 per lakh live births in 1990 to 116 per lakh live births in 2023.
- Total Deaths: In 2023, India recorded 24,700 maternal deaths. While this absolute number remains high due to India’s large population, the rate of survival has improved dramatically.
- Leading Causes: Globally, and within South Asia, maternal hemorrhage (excessive bleeding) and hypertensive disorders (like pre-eclampsia) remain the primary drivers of mortality, accounting for over 40% of cases.
Global and Regional Comparison (2023)
The analysis places India’s progress in context with other high-population nations in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
| Country | Total Maternal Deaths (2023) | MMR (per 1 lakh live births) |
| Nigeria | 32,900 | Highest global burden |
| India | 24,700 | 116 |
| Ethiopia | 11,900 | High Sub-Saharan burden |
| Pakistan | 10,300 | Notable South Asian burden |
Stagnation and Future Challenges
The researchers noted that while the 30-year trend is positive, global progress has “stagnated” since 2015.
- The 2030 Goal: 104 out of 204 countries studied are currently off-track to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing MMR to below 70 by 2030.
- Uneven Distribution: Progress remains highly uneven; while India has seen an 80% drop, many conflict-affected or economically fragile regions have seen mortality rates plateau or even rise.
- Correction Note: Earlier reports of India’s 2023 deaths being “per lakh” were corrected in this final analysis to represent the total count of deaths for the year.
Sources
- The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Women’s Health: “Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 Maternal Mortality Study” (March 2026).
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “India’s maternal mortality ratio drops nearly 80 per cent during 1990-2023: Global analysis” (March 28, 2026).
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME): “Maternal Mortality Trends and Country Estimates” (Updated 2026).
- Official Statement: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India (March 28, 2026).
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