Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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February 17, 2026 Healthcare
Almost two-thirds of all maternal deaths worldwide occur in countries affected by conflict or political instability. The risk of pregnancy-related death and childbirth for women living in such countries is approximately five times higher per pregnancy than in stable countries.
This is stated in a new technical review prepared by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction.
Crisis situations
In 2023 alone, an estimated 160,000 women died from preventable pregnancy- and childbirth-related causes in conflict and instability settings—that's six out of ten maternal deaths globally. Yet, these settings account for only about one-tenth of all live births.
According to the analysis, in countries classified as conflict-affected, the maternal mortality rate was 504 per 100,000 live births. In countries with significant institutional and social instability, it was 368 per 100,000. By comparison, in countries outside these categories, the rate was significantly lower – 99 per 100,000.
These data complement previously published global estimates for 2000–2023, which showed that progress in reducing maternal mortality has slowed, while in low-income countries and in crisis situations, the figures remain extremely high.
Inequality and weak systems
The authors emphasize that conflict and instability create conditions in which health systems are unable to routinely provide life-saving care to pregnant women. Furthermore, additional factors—gender, ethnicity, age, and migration status—can further increase the risks.
Inequality is particularly pronounced among adolescents. In 2023, one in 51 15-year-old girls living in a conflict-affected country faced a lifetime risk of dying from pregnancy-related causes. In countries with institutional instability, the risk was one in 79, while in relatively prosperous countries, it was only one in 593.
Practical solutions
The publication also provides examples of countries where health workers are struggling to provide maternal health services despite instability, including Colombia, Ethiopia, Haiti, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, and Ukraine.
In Colombia, midwife training helps provide timely care in remote areas where access to health facilities is limited due to geography or insecurity.
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In Ethiopia, the focus is on restoring continuity of care through mobile teams, renovating health facilities, and hiring additional midwives.
In Haiti, removing barriers plays a key role: women forced to flee their homes are provided with free or discounted services. Efforts are also being made to ensure a stable electricity supply in maternity hospitals.
Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, and Ukraine are demonstrating that even in protracted crises, maternal health can be protected through regional planning, improved quality and safety of maternity care, and reorganization of routes for patients who need to reach hospitals.
Action plan
By linking maternal mortality rates to levels of fragility, experts have a more precise tool for identifying countries where the most urgent action is needed.
This includes investing in primary health care, collecting data in hard-to-reach areas, and building health systems that can adapt to crises. The authors believe these measures will help more quickly reduce maternal mortality rates, even in the most challenging conditions.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.