Journan — Accueil

WHO warns of high maternal mortality rates linked to pregnancy hypertension

The World Health Organization has highlighted the severe global impact of hypertension disorders during pregnancy, which account for approximately 42,000 maternal deaths annually and over 500,000 stillbirths or neonatal deaths. These conditions represent 10 to 15 percent of pregnancy-related complications and 16 percent of maternal mortality worldwide. In response, the organization has introduced a global roadmap to bolster prevention and treatment, particularly addressing pre-eclampsia. Efforts are focused on low- and middle-income countries and crisis-affected regions, where healthcare systems struggle with shortages of qualified staff, limited access to blood pressure screening, essential medicines, and emergency obstetric services. Pascale Allotey, Director for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at the WHO, emphasized that early detection and timely access to emergency care are critical factors in reducing mortality rates for both mothers and newborns.