Reactions to the new UN Maternal Mortality Estimates

Published on September 15, 2010 

On September 15, 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the World Bank released a new report, Trends in maternal mortality, estimating the number of women dying due to complications during pregnancy and childbirth has declined by 34% from 546,000 in 1990 to 358,000 in 2008. Despite the decline, the report states developing countries still account for 99% (355,000) of these deaths; 87% (313,000) of them occuring in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. 147 countries experienced a decline in MMR from 1990-2008; 90 of which showed a decline of 40% or more. See the full report and press release for more information.

The Maternal Health Task Force is compiling a list of reactions and articles regarding the new MMR estimate.  Please help us to make this list a useful resource by letting us know if you come across additional reactions that should be included or submitting your own reaction for the MHTF blog. Email suggestions or blog posts to Raji Mohanam at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .