Copenhagen, 7 April 2025
All mothers deserve to bring life into the world without risking their own. Yet every day, more than 700 women lose their lives globally to preventable maternal complications. This World Health Day (7 April) let us pledge to turn compassion into action and build healthy beginnings and hopeful futures for mothers and newborns everywhere.
The WHO European Region comprises 53 Member States across Europe and Central Asia, including the Caucasus, Türkiye and Israel. Home to nearly 1 billion people, it has the lowest maternal mortality rate (MMR) of any WHO region, at 11 deaths for every 100 000 live births. This is a testament to the relentless efforts of everyone from politicians to health workers and scientists to humanitarians and civil society, over the past 25 years. Together, we have reduced MMR in the European Region by 56% since 2000.
But scratching the surface reveals a more complicated picture. While the regional average is low, reductions in maternal mortality are not uniformly distributed, with significant disparities remaining between countries and subregions, highlighting persistent inequities and lack of investment or access to quality maternal health services.
Fifteen out of 53 countries in the European Region – just over a quarter – have an MMR higher than the regional average. Furthermore, 9 of those countries saw an increase in MMR between 2020 and 2023, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. More than a dozen other countries have simply stopped progressing, with 14 out of 53 Member States – more than a quarter – experiencing no improvement in MMR between 2020 and 2023. These differences are hindering our region’s progress towards achieving globally agreed targets for reducing maternal mortality by 2030, known as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
While each country is different and will therefore require tailored solutions, there are 3 overarching actions that will help reduce maternal mortality across the board. First, universal health coverage including access to comprehensive maternal health services is essential, and should also incorporate mental health support for expectant and new mothers. Second, investing in education and awareness campaigns can ensure mothers and their families know about nutrition, preparing for birth and postpartum care. Finally, expanding emergency obstetric care will ensure that when complications arise and time is of the essence, a mother’s life (and that of her child) can be saved.
The latest data reveal that northern and western European countries like Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, have some of the lowest MMR in the Region, ranging from 1 to 5 deaths per 100 000 live births. This is because expectant and new mothers in these countries have wide access to universal health care, with comprehensive maternal care coverage, skilled birth attendance including midwifery-led care, strong emergency obstetric care systems, low socioeconomic disparities and strong gender equality policies. It is important that these countries share their experiences and best practices with others.
Southern Europe reveals mixed MMR trends. Countries like Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain generally have low MMR, but some have seen stagnation or even slight increases. This can be attributed to rising health disparities seen in migrant populations and constraints to health financing.
Data from eastern Europe and the Western Balkans reveal higher than average MMR and uneven progress. That said, over the past 25 years this part of the Region has seen MMR decrease by 75% and this needs to be acknowledged and celebrated. One country, Belarus, stands out. It is one of only 2 Member States in the entire European Region with an MMR of just 1 death per 100 000 live births.
Finally, countries in Central Asia have made huge strides in reducing MMR, recording a 57% reduction since 2000, while still facing MMR of up to 42 deaths per 100 000 live births. Kazakhstan stands out, having reduced MMR by an outstanding 83% over the past 25 years.
The European Region has made truly momentous progress in reducing maternal mortality, but significant gaps remain as we race towards the finish line of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. No one can be complacent, including countries that are currently doing well. With strategic investments, stronger policies and knowledge-sharing between countries, our region can move towards eliminating preventable maternal deaths. With just over 1000 deaths per year, we are already the best-performing region in the world; but even 1 preventable maternal death is 1 too many because every mother deserves a safe birth, no matter who she is or where she lives.