Globally each year 287,000 women die in pregnancy or childbirth. Most maternal deaths are caused by severe bleeding, high blood pressure, pregnancy-related infections, complications from unsafe abortion, and underlying conditions that can be aggravated by pregnancy (such as HIV/AIDS and malaria).

Most maternal deaths are preventable with access to high-quality healthcare. Ending preventable maternal death must remain at the top of the global agenda.

WHO works with a range of partners and national health authorities across its six Regions to strengthen maternal health services for all pregnant women.