global Progress against Maternal and Infant Mortality Stalls, Threatening Sustainable Progress Goals
Alarming Decline in Progress
The global community is facing a critically important setback in its efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality. According to the latest “Countdown to 2030” report, published in The Lancet, progress in this critical area has experienced an alarming decline since 2020. This reversal is attributed to a confluence of global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, armed conflicts, environmental disasters, and increasing food insecurity.The report underscores the urgent need for renewed focus and resources to address this escalating challenge.
An alarming slowdown in progress in the improvement rate in the field of reproductive, maternal, neonatal and infantile health, has been observed. This is due to global crises such as COVVI-19 pandemic, food insecurity, armed conflicts and climate change. The priority given to reproductive, maternal, neonatal, infantile and adolescent health (SRMNIA), and also the financing of nutrition has also decreased.
Cheikh Mbacké faye,Executive director of African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)
Faye made these remarks during the presentation of the “Countdown to 2030” report in Dakar,Senegal,highlighting the interconnectedness of global health challenges. For U.S. readers, this mirrors concerns about access to maternal care in certain states, particularly in rural areas, highlighting a need for comprehensive healthcare policies.
Key Findings of the “Countdown to 2030” Report
The “Countdown to 2030 / The Lancet 2025” report, encompassing 80 low- and middle-income countries, scrutinizes key indicators such as survival rates, nutritional status, healthcare access, and the quality of care provided. The findings paint a concerning picture of stalled progress and widening disparities.
The report highlights a significant deceleration in the annual rates of reduction for maternal, neonatal, infant, and adolescent mortality in lower-income and middle-income countries between 2016 and 2022. These rates averaged only 2 to 3%, a stark contrast to the more ample progress observed between 2000 and 2015. This slowdown puts the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health at serious risk.
The implications of these findings are particularly dire for Sub-Saharan Africa, where mortality rates remain stubbornly high. The report suggests that the region is falling further behind in its efforts to meet the SDG targets for maternal and child health.
| Mortality Type | Average Annual Reduction Rate (2016-2022) | Target Reduction Rate (to achieve SDGs) |
|---|---|---|
| Maternal Mortality | 2-3% | significantly Higher (estimated 7-8%) |
| Neonatal Mortality | 2-3% | Significantly Higher (estimated 6-7%) |
| Infant Mortality | 2-3% | Significantly Higher (estimated 5-6%) |
SenegalS Response and the Path Forward
Ibrahima Sy,Senegal’s Minister of Health and Social Action,acknowledged the gravity of the situation,stating that maternal mortality has reached “unacceptable levels.” He emphasized the importance of the “Countdown 2030” report as a crucial tool for decision-making and policy formulation.
The analysis report of the country of +countdown 2030+, is a primordial instrument for the decision… maternal mortality has reached unacceptable levels.
Ibrahima sy, Senegal’s Minister of Health and Social Action
Minister Sy highlighted the global scale of the problem, noting that approximately 287,000 women died during or after pregnancy or childbirth in 2020. A staggering 87% of these deaths occurred in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, regions where access to quality healthcare is often limited.
Approximately 287,000 women died during or after a pregnancy or childbirth in 2020. About 87% of maternal deaths worldwide, most of which could have been avoided, occurred in sub -Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Ibrahima Sy, senegal’s Minister of Health and Social Action
In response to this crisis, Senegal has implemented several initiatives aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality. These plans likely include improving access to prenatal care, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and training healthcare professionals. However, the effectiveness of these plans hinges on sustained funding, community engagement, and addressing the underlying socioeconomic factors that contribute to poor health outcomes. This mirrors challenges in the U.S.,where disparities in maternal mortality rates exist across different racial and socioeconomic groups.
While acknowledging the challenges, Minister Sy expressed optimism about Senegal’s ability to improve maternal and child health outcomes. He affirmed that the health of mothers, children, and adolescents remains a top public health priority in Senegal and across the African region. This commitment is essential for driving progress towards the SDGs and ensuring a healthier future for all.
Today, our country is a decisive turning point in the health of women, children and adolescents… the health of the mother and the child is one of the public health concerns in the world in general and in the African region in particular.
Ibrahima sy, Senegal’s Minister of Health and Social Action
Addressing the Root Causes: A Multi-Faceted Approach
Reversing the current trend in maternal and infant mortality requires a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach that addresses the underlying causes of poor health outcomes. This includes not only strengthening healthcare systems but also tackling poverty, food insecurity, gender inequality, and lack of access to education.for example, programs that empower women through education and economic opportunities have been shown to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
Furthermore, investing in research and innovation is crucial for developing new tools and strategies to prevent maternal and infant deaths. This includes developing more effective vaccines, improving diagnostic tools, and finding innovative ways to deliver healthcare services to remote and underserved communities. Telemedicine, for instance, has the potential to expand access to specialized care in rural areas, both in the U.S. and in developing countries.
global collaboration and partnerships are essential for achieving the SDGs related to maternal and child health. This requires countries to work together to share best practices, mobilize resources, and hold each other accountable for progress. International organizations, such as the World Health Association (WHO) and UNICEF, play a critical role in coordinating these efforts and providing technical assistance to countries in need.
The U.S. Perspective: A call for Global Solidarity
While the “Countdown to 2030” report focuses on low- and middle-income countries,the findings have implications for the United states as well. The U.S.has a vested interest in promoting global health security,as infectious diseases and other health threats can easily cross borders. Moreover, supporting maternal and child health in developing countries aligns with American values of humanitarianism and global citizenship.
The U.S. can play a leading role in reversing the current trend in maternal and infant mortality by increasing its financial contributions to global health initiatives,sharing its technical expertise,and advocating for policies that promote health equity. This includes supporting programs that train healthcare workers, strengthen healthcare systems, and address the social determinants of health. By working together with other countries and international organizations, the U.S. can help ensure that all women and children have the possibility to survive and thrive.
