List of countries by maternal mortality ratio

Maternal mortality ratio per 100,000 live births

The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is a key indicator of maternal health and is defined as the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. This list ranks countries by their maternal mortality ratio, providing insight into the effectiveness of healthcare systems, access to medical care, and overall health conditions for women during pregnancy and childbirth.

Definition

The maternal mortality ratio is calculated as: \[ \text{MMR} = \left( \frac{\text{Number of maternal deaths}}{\text{Number of live births}} \right) \times 100,000 \]

A maternal death is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, but not from accidental or incidental causes.

Global Overview

Maternal mortality is a significant public health issue, particularly in developing countries. The highest maternal mortality ratios are often found in Sub-Saharan Africa, while the lowest ratios are typically seen in developed countries with advanced healthcare systems.

List of Countries by Maternal Mortality Ratio

The following table lists countries by their maternal mortality ratio, as reported by the World Health Organization:

Country	Maternal Mortality Ratio (per 100,000 live births)
Afghanistan
Australia
Brazil
Canada
China
India
Japan
Nigeria
United States
United Kingdom

Factors Affecting Maternal Mortality

Several factors contribute to maternal mortality, including:

• Access to healthcare
• Quality of healthcare services
• Socioeconomic status
• Education level
• Nutrition
• Cultural practices

Efforts to Reduce Maternal Mortality

Global efforts to reduce maternal mortality include initiatives such as:

• Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Programs by the World Health Organization
• National healthcare policies and reforms

Related Pages

• Maternal health
• Infant mortality
• Healthcare system
• Public health
• World Health Organization

See Also

• List of countries by infant mortality rate
• List of countries by life expectancy
• List of countries by health expenditure per capita

References

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