Reduction of maternal mortality

Complications arising from pregnancy and childbirth cause the deaths of more than half a million women every year and leave many others with serious and lifelong health problems. This joint statement by WHO, UNFPA, UNICEF, and the World Bank delivers key messages that draw on lessons learned and experience gained by countries worldwide in their efforts to reduce and prevent maternal deaths. It identifies the issues involved in the selection of appropriate interventions and outlines the policies and legislative actions that are essential. It stresses the importance of access to appropriate health care services throughout pregnancy and childbirth, of the presence of a skilled attendant at every birth, and of the social and cultural changes that can be made at the community level in support of actions by the health sector.
The statement is addressed to a wide readership, from governments to individual community members, and is intended to raise awareness of maternal mortality and mobilize every possible resource to ensure the safety of pregnancy and childbirth for all women.