Significant Reduction in Maternal Mortality Ratio in Southeast Asia Paves Way for SDG Goals by 2030: WHO
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Synopsis
The WHO reports a significant decrease in the maternal mortality ratio in Southeast Asia, including India, indicating progress toward achieving SDG targets by 2030, as we approach International Women's Day.
Key Takeaways
- Maternal Mortality Ratio has significantly decreased in South-East Asia.
- India has achieved a 70 percent reduction in MMR from 2000 to 2020.
- The region is on track to meet the SDG target for MMR by 2030.
- Concerns remain regarding gender inequality and violence against women.
- Empowering young women is central to future goals.
New Delhi, March 7 (NationPress) The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) -- representing deaths from childbirth or pregnancy complications per 100,000 live births -- has shown a notable decline in South-East Asia, including India, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday, just before International Women’s Day.
International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8 each year, aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by women globally. MMR encompasses any maternal death occurring immediately or within 42 days post-pregnancy termination, whether through childbirth, abortion, or miscarriage.
“The MMR has decreased remarkably -- from 2010 to 2020, there was a 41 percent reduction in our region compared to a 12 percent decline worldwide,” highlighted Saima Wazed, Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia.
“Our region is indeed on course to meet the SDG target on MMR by 2030,” she further stated.
It is noteworthy that India has achieved a remarkable 70 percent reduction in MMR from 2000 to 2020, with a drastic drop of 82.5 percent between 1990 and 2020. The UN-mandated Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) set the target MMR for 2030 at 70.
Moreover, Wazed mentioned advancements in women’s participation in the workforce.
“In our South-East Asia region, the gender gap in women’s workforce participation has reduced in most nations,” she remarked. Over recent decades, the total fertility rate has also decreased across many countries in the region.
Nonetheless, Wazed voiced concerns regarding gender inequality and sexual violence against women in Southeast Asia.
“In our region, all nations rank high on the global Gender Inequality Index. Approximately 40 percent of women have faced physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime,” noted Wazed.
“This exacerbates the risks of communicable diseases such as HIV and STI, alongside mental health issues,” the Regional Director stated.
The theme for this year’s Women’s Day is “For all women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”.
“This theme advocates for actions that unlock equal rights, power, and opportunities for all women and girls, ensuring a future where no one is left behind,” Wazed emphasized, noting that “empowering youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls, is essential to this vision.”
