Trends in Maternal Mortality: 1990 to 2015

Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 5 Target 5A called for the reduction of maternal mortality ratio by three quarters between 1990 and 2015. It has been a challenge to assess the extent of progress due to the lack of reliable and accurate maternal mortality data – particularly in developing-country settings where maternal mortality is high. As part of ongoing efforts, the WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, World Bank Group and the United Nations Population Division updated estimates of maternal mortality for the years 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2015.

This study comes in preparation for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 3 targets the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) and has the ambition to reduce global MMR to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. Globally, MMR has fallen nearly 44% over the past 25 years to an estimated 216 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2015. The study examines those countries facing the greatest hurdles and analyses those situations that hinder progress towards maternal mortality reduction.

The World Health Organization offers infographics and country profiles related to the study.