WHO: Maternal Deaths Surge in Conflict-Affected Nations
WHO report reveals 160,000 maternal deaths in 2023 from preventable causes in fragile/conflict settings, accounting for 60% of global deaths despite these countries having only 10% of births. Risk of death during pregnancy is five times higher in conflict zones compared to stable countries. A 15-year-old girl in conflict areas faces a 1 in 51 lifetime risk of maternal death versus 1 in 593 in stable regions. Maternal mortality ratio stands at 504 per 100,000 live births in conflict-affected countries versus 99 in stable nations. The brief identifies gender, ethnicity, age and migration status as compounding risk factors. Solutions include adapting services to cultural needs and restoring disrupted care despite instability.