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New Delhi: The maternal mortality ratio (MMR)—deaths due to complications from childbirth or pregnancy per 1 lakh live births—has seen a significant decline in South-East Asia, including India, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The announcement comes ahead of International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8 to raise awareness of issues impacting women worldwide.
The MMR encompasses maternal deaths occurring immediately or within 42 days of the termination of pregnancy, whether through childbirth, abortion, or miscarriage.
“MMR has declined significantly—between 2010 and 2020, a 41 per cent decline in the region versus a 12 per cent decline globally,” said Saima Wazed, Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia.
“Our region is on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target on MMR by 2030,” she added.
India’s Remarkable Progress
India has made commendable strides in reducing maternal mortality, achieving a 70 per cent decline between 2000 and 2020. The country’s MMR also plummeted by 82.5 per cent between 1990 and 2020. The global SDG target for MMR by 2030 is set at 70.
Women’s Empowerment and Challenges
Beyond maternal health, Wazed highlighted improvements in women’s participation in the labor force. “In our South-East Asia region, the gender gap in women’s labor force participation has narrowed in most countries,” she noted. Additionally, the total fertility rate has decreased in several nations across the region.
Despite these advances, gender inequality and sexual violence remain critical concerns in the region. “In our region, all countries rank high on the global Gender Inequality Index. Nearly 40 per cent of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime,” Wazed stated.
“This exacerbates risks related to communicable diseases like HIV and STIs, as well as mental health challenges,” she added.
Theme of International Women’s Day 2025
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is “For all women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
“It calls for actions to unlock equal rights, power, and opportunities for all women and girls, ensuring a future where no one is left behind,” Wazed emphasized, adding that “empowering youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls, is central to this vision.”
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on statements from the World Health Organization and relevant reports. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to refer to official WHO publications and government sources for precise data and policy updates.
