Over the past two decades, Africa has seen a significant decline in maternal and newborn deaths, reflecting the continent’s growing investment in healthcare infrastructure and maternal care programs. According to recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO), maternal mortality in Africa decreased by approximately 33% between 2000 and 2020, with the number of maternal deaths dropping from 788 to 531 per 100,000 live births. Similarly, child mortality has also declined, with under-five deaths halved across the continent during the same period.
This progress has been driven by a combination of government initiatives, international support, and community-based healthcare efforts. Many African countries have implemented targeted programs to improve access to prenatal and postnatal care, train skilled birth attendants, and provide essential medical supplies in rural and underserved areas. For instance, Nigeria’s Abiye (Safe Motherhood) Program and the Midwives Service Scheme have contributed to significant reductions in maternal deaths by ensuring that pregnant women receive timely and skilled care, particularly in remote regions.
Furthermore, public health campaigns promoting hospital deliveries, immunization, and nutrition have enhanced maternal and newborn survival rates. The increase in health worker training and the use of mobile health technologies to track pregnancies and schedule antenatal visits have also played a crucial role in reaching vulnerable populations.
Despite these gains, recent reports caution that progress has begun to slow, and disparities remain. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted maternal health services across many parts of Africa, reversing some of the improvements by limiting access to clinics and straining already fragile healthcare systems. Additionally, conflict-affected regions such as South Sudan and parts of Sudan have experienced rising maternal deaths due to unsafe delivery conditions and lack of medical personnel. In South Darfur, for example, over 100 maternal deaths were reported in just eight months of 2024, largely due to infections and poor sanitation.
International organizations have warned that reduced funding for maternal health programs could stall or even reverse the hard-won progress. The WHO has expressed concern that ongoing cuts to foreign aid may result in “pandemic-like effects,” especially in countries dependent on external support for maternal care services.
To maintain momentum, Africa must continue to strengthen healthcare systems, prioritize maternal and child health in national budgets, and ensure that no woman or newborn is left behind, regardless of their geography or socio-economic status. Investing in maternal health is not only a moral imperative but also key to the continent’s broader development goals.
