Maternal deaths falling - mostly

Tuesday April 13th, 2010

Several wealthy countries have seen surprising increases in deaths of pregnant women - whilst poorer countries are making big progress against the problem, according to a major analysis published yesterday.

In a 30 year period, the USA, Canada and Denmark have seen increased death rates - bucking the trend in wealthy countries.

By 2008, 17 women died for every 100,000 live births in the USA - more than twice the rate in Britain, which is 8, and a 42 per cent increase over 18 years. Canada saw a small increase, from 6 to 7 deaths per 100,000 births - and Denmark from 7 to 9.

According to the report in The Lancet, the safest country in the world for pregnant women is Italy - with a death rate of just 4 per 100,000 births - along with Sweden, Australia and Luxembourg, with rates of five.

In China the death rate has fallen from 165 in 1980 to 40 in 2008.

The researchers said there had also been big improvements in Egypt, Ecuador and Bolivia. The biggest increase in death rates has been in Zimbabwe.

Researcher Dr Christopher Murray, of the University of Washington, Seattle, USA, said improvements in the care of pregnant women had been slowed by the continuing HIV epidemic.

He said: "These findings are very encouraging and quite surprising. There are still too many mothers dying worldwide, but now we have a greater reason for optimism than has generally been perceived.

"In a year where there has been unprecedented policy interest in improving maternal and child health, this is a remarkable story of undiscovered progress that countries can build on in their efforts to reach international goals."

Professor Cathy Warwick, general secretary of the British Royal College of Midwives, said the improvements in developing nations were "encouraging".

She said: "What is clear is that international pressure and cooperation and concerted efforts at government and local level can make a difference and, that around the world needless deaths can be avoided."

She added: "I am concerned that the UK rate - although it is very low - is not falling. It is possible that this is due to increasing levels of ill health amongst pregnant women and possibly to greater numbers of older women giving birth."

Tags: Africa | Asia | Australia | Childbirth and Pregnancy | Europe | North America | UK News | Women’s Health & Gynaecology | World Health

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