On World Health Day, April 7, 2025, Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for Europe, issued a statement emphasizing the critical importance of reducing maternal mortality across the continent. He highlighted that while substantial progress has been made in improving maternal health, challenges remain. Tragically, more than 700 women die every day globally from preventable pregnancy-related complications. Dr. Kluge’s message focused on the urgent need to turn compassion into action, ensuring safe births and healthy futures for mothers and newborns worldwide.
The WHO European Region includes 53 member states, spanning both Europe and Central Asia, including the Caucasus, Israel, and Turkey. With nearly 1 billion people, it boasts the lowest maternal mortality rate among all WHO regions, with 11 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. This is a testament to the tireless efforts of political leaders, healthcare professionals, scientists, humanitarian workers, and civil society over the past 25 years. Since 2000, the maternal mortality rate in the region has decreased by 56%.
However, a deeper look reveals a more complex situation. While the regional average is low, reductions in maternal mortality are not evenly distributed. Significant disparities persist between countries and subregions, underscoring the continuing inequalities and lack of investment or access to quality maternal healthcare services.
Fifteen of the 53 European region countries, just over a quarter, have maternal mortality rates higher than the regional average. Furthermore, nine of these countries saw an increase in maternal mortality rates between 2020 and 2023, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. More than a dozen other countries have stagnated in this regard, with 14 countries showing no improvement in maternal mortality between 2020 and 2023. These disparities hinder the region’s progress toward achieving global maternal mortality reduction targets for 2030, as set out by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Though each country requires tailored solutions, three key actions could significantly reduce maternal mortality at all levels. First, universal health coverage must guarantee access to comprehensive maternal healthcare services, including mental health support for pregnant women and new mothers. Second, investment in education and awareness campaigns will ensure that mothers and their families are informed about nutrition, childbirth preparation, and postnatal care. Finally, expanding emergency obstetric care will save lives when complications arise, and time is critical.
Recent data shows that Northern and Western European countries, such as Germany, Finland, Norway, the Netherlands, and Sweden, have some of the lowest maternal mortality rates in the region, ranging from 1 to 5 deaths per 100,000 live births. These countries have broad access to universal healthcare, including comprehensive maternal care, skilled birth assistance (including midwives), robust emergency obstetric systems, low socioeconomic disparities, and strong gender equality policies. Sharing their data and best practices with other nations is crucial for further progress.
Southern Europe presents mixed trends in maternal mortality rates. While countries like Spain, Greece, Italy, and Portugal generally maintain low rates, some have experienced stagnation or slight increases. These challenges are linked to growing health disparities among migrant populations and healthcare financing constraints.
Data from Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans show above-average maternal mortality rates and uneven progress. Nonetheless, this region has seen a 75% reduction in maternal mortality over the past 25 years, a significant achievement that should be recognized. Belarus stands out as one of the only two countries in the European Region with a maternal mortality rate of just 1 death per 100,000 live births.
Central Asian countries have made substantial progress, reducing maternal mortality by 57% since 2000, but still face rates as high as 42 deaths per 100,000 live births. Kazakhstan has shown remarkable success, with an 83% reduction in maternal mortality over the past 25 years.
While the European Region has made significant strides in reducing maternal mortality, critical gaps remain as we approach the 2030 SDG targets. No country can afford to rest on its laurels, even those with currently favorable outcomes. With strategic investments, stronger policies, and knowledge sharing between countries, the region can make further progress toward eliminating preventable maternal deaths. With just over 1,000 maternal deaths annually, Europe remains the world’s best-performing region, but even one preventable maternal death is one too many. Every mother deserves to give birth safely, no matter who she is or where she lives.
This article is originally published on: who.int
