Nearly 800 women die every day from preventable maternal causes, and in 2022 alone, an estimated 2.3 million newborns died. For every maternal death, countless more women endure life-altering injuries, infections, and disabilities related to childbirth. 

Maternal deaths are concentrated in the poorest regions and conflict-affected areas. In 2020, sub-Saharan Africa accounted for nearly 70% of all maternal deaths, with just 22 countries responsible for 81% of the global total. Humanitarian crises and fragile health systems exacerbate these challenges, with maternal mortality rates in crisis-affected areas often double the global average. The barriers to progress are multifaceted, including inadequate funding, poor-quality healthcare, harmful gender and social norms, and critical gaps in data and accountability.

To address these challenges, the UNFPA Strategy for Reproductive, Maternal, and Newborn Health and Well-Being builds on decades of experience, including the success of its flagship Maternal and Newborn Health Fund. The strategy aims to drive progress on the SDGS and the Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere programme coverage targets.  It adopts an integrated approach that places maternal and newborn health and well-being within sexual and reproductive health and rights. For the first time, the strategy also introduces a focus on maternal well-being, ensuring women not only survive childbirth but thrive afterward.