In a stark warning issued on World Health Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other UN agencies have sounded the alarm on the dire consequences of unprecedented cuts to global aid, which threaten to reverse two decades of hard-won progress in reducing maternal mortality. The situation is dire, with the potential for a significant increase in the number of women dying during pregnancy and childbirth.

The Progress Made and the Current Reality

Between 2000 and 2023, the world witnessed a 40% decline in maternal deaths, a testament to the effectiveness of improved access to essential health services. This progress, however, is now in jeopardy. Despite this decline, the UN report reveals that an estimated 260,000 women still died in 2023 due to complications arising from pregnancy or childbirth. This is equivalent to one maternal death every two minutes, a statistic that underscores the urgency of the situation.

The Impact of Aid Cuts

The sudden and drastic reduction in humanitarian aid has had a profoundly negative impact on maternal healthcare. Countries have been forced to roll back vital services for maternal, newborn, and child health, resulting in the closure of clinics and the layoff of health workers. Supply chains for lifesaving supplies and medicines, such as treatments for hemorrhage, pre-eclampsia, and malaria—all leading causes of maternal deaths—have been severely disrupted.

The United States, which has historically been the largest single donor to overseas programs in reproductive health, has seen the most drastic cuts. In January, the Trump administration froze and subsequently cut almost all funding to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This decision has had far-reaching consequences, as the US government has long provided critical support to life-saving maternal and child health services in lower-income countries, where over 90% of all maternal and child deaths occur.

Several European countries have also slashed their overseas aid budgets, particularly in light of increasing defense spending due to tensions with Russia. In February, Britain, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland all announced plans to cut their aid budgets. These cuts have had a cascading effect, putting more pregnant women at risk, especially in the most fragile settings, by limiting their access to essential care during pregnancy and the support they need when giving birth.

The Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Regions

The report highlights the unequal distribution of maternal deaths across the world and by income group. Around 70% of all maternal deaths were reported in sub-Saharan Africa in 2023, while poorer countries accounted for 43.9% of all maternal deaths. Living in politically unstable and conflict-stricken countries has also had a significant impact on maternal mortality over the past two decades. In fact, nearly two-thirds of global maternal deaths now occur in countries affected by fragility or conflict.

The Pandemic's Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the situation. In 2021, approximately 40,000 more women died due to pregnancy or childbirth, bringing the total to 322,000 deaths. This surge was attributed to both direct COVID-19 complications and widespread disruptions to maternity services. The pandemic underscored the importance of maintaining access to essential healthcare services, even in times of crisis.

A Call to Action

The WHO and UNICEF have emphasized the urgent need for investment in midwives, nurses, and community health workers to ensure that every mother and baby has a chance to survive and thrive. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, has stressed that in addition to ensuring access to quality maternity care, it is critical to strengthen the underlying health and reproductive rights of women and girls. These factors are fundamental to achieving healthy outcomes during pregnancy and beyond.

Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, has echoed these sentiments, stating that global funding cuts to health services are putting more pregnant women at risk. She has called for immediate action to prevent further setbacks in maternal health, particularly in the most vulnerable regions.

The progress made in reducing maternal mortality over the past two decades is a testament to the power of global cooperation and investment in healthcare. However, the current wave of aid cuts threatens to undo this progress, putting countless lives at risk. It is imperative that the international community comes together to address this crisis. The lives of mothers and their babies hang in the balance, and the time for action is now. The world must urgently invest in the healthcare infrastructure and personnel needed to ensure that every pregnancy and childbirth is safe and that every mother and baby has the chance to thrive.