India Reports 24,700 Maternal Deaths in 2023: Lancet Study Highlights High Mortality Burden

India has reported 24,700 maternal deaths in 2023 a nd with it placed his position among countries who have the highest maternal mortality burden. This numbers are coming rom the global analysis published in The Lancet. The study which is led by researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) has estimated India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) at 116 per 1 lakh live births. Globally the maternal deaths remain a critical concern and with countries like Nigeria, Ethiopia and Pakistan contributing significantly to the global burden.

Understanding Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in India

Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) refers to the number of maternal deaths per 1 lakh live births which is the key indicator of a country’s healthcare system.

According to India’s latest Sample Registration System (SRS) 2021-23 the country’s MMR stands at 88 maternal deaths per 1 lakh live births.

This figure shows important improvement then compared to earlier decades and shows the better access to healthcare services.

But the global estimate of 116 suggests disparities in data sources and methodologies used by international studies.

India has made remarkable progress while achieving the 86% reduction in MMR since 1990 and it is far higher than the global average which is decline of 48%.

India Among High-Burden Countries

According to study published in The Lancet and led by Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.

Key Data (2023)

India: 24,700 maternal deaths

Nigeria: 32,900

Ethiopia: 11,900

Pakistan: 10,300

These figures highlight that maternal mortality remains the major global health challenge and especially in developing regions.

Global Scenario: Trends and SDG Targets

The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 study provides the comprehensive details of maternal mortality across 204 countries and territories.

Key global insights are,

• Total maternal deaths worldwide in 2023: 2.4 lakh
• Global MMR: 190.5 per 1 lakh live births
• Decline from 1990 levels: Over one-third reduction

However the progress remains insufficient because 104 countries have not yet achieved the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target. SDG target is the MMR below 70 per 1 lakh live births by 2030.

Leading Causes of Maternal Deaths

The causes of maternal deaths vary across regions but globally the most significant contributors include,

• Postpartum haemorrhage (excessive bleeding after childbirth)
• Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (such as preeclampsia)

Postpartum haemorrhage remains the leading cause in particularly in low- and middle-income countries where emergency medical services is less.

Other contributing factors include are,

• Infections during or after pregnancy
• Unsafe abortions
• Delayed access to medical care

Impact of COVID-19 on Maternal Health

The COVID-19 pandemic had noticeable impact on maternal mortality and especially during 2020-2021.

Before widespread vaccination,

• Healthcare systems were overwhelmed
• Access to maternal care services declined
• Maternal deaths temporarily increased in high-COVID regions

This disruption highlighted the vulnerability of maternal healthcare systems during global crises.

Question

Q. What is the SDG target for Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) by 2030?

A. Below 100 per lakh live births
B. Below 80 per lakh live births
C. Below 70 per lakh live births
D. Below 50 per lakh live births