April 7, 2025 — World Health Day brings a sobering reminder: Africa is not on course to meet global maternal mortality reduction targets, according to a new United Nations report. The warning highlights the urgent need for increased investment in maternal health systems, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where over two-thirds of global maternal deaths occur.
The report reveals that the continent continues to experience over 500 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, far from the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of less than 70 per 100,000. Key drivers of the crisis include limited access to skilled birth attendants, inadequate emergency obstetric care, and chronic underfunding of public health sectors.
In countries such as Nigeria, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic, weak healthcare infrastructure and gender-based health disparities further exacerbate maternal health risks. The UN also cited the impact of armed conflict, climate change, and poverty as compounding factors. 
The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for urgent, coordinated action across African governments, international donors, and health NGOs to scale up interventions like antenatal care, midwife training, and health insurance coverage. Without significant reform and investment, millions of African women will remain at risk during pregnancy and childbirth.
Maternal mortality is not just a health issue — it’s a human rights crisis, and Africa’s future depends on reversing this trend. As World Health Day 2025 urges us to “champion health for all,” the global community must rise to ensure safe motherhood becomes a reality, not a privilege, across the African continent.
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