New data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that by 2030 in sub-Saharan Africa, 390 women will die in childbirth for every 100,000 live births.
This is more than five times higher than the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets – and much higher than the global average of 211.
“For many African women, childbirth remains a persistent risk and millions of children don’t live long enough to reach their fifth birthday.” speak Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
Take a closer look
According to WHO Atlas of Africa Health Statistics 2022the current average, 72 newborn deaths, per 1,000 successful births – more than double the target set for 2030.
At the current 3.1% annual rate of decline, 54 deaths per 1,000 live births are expected by 2030, well above the target of less than 25 deaths per 1,000 live births.
Dr Moeti warned: “Africa has already achieved some of the fastest rates of decline globally in key health targets, but this momentum is fading.
Need to increase investment
The report assessed nine targets related to the health SDGs and found that at the current pace, increased investment is urgently needed to accelerate progress.
Reducing maternal mortality is one of the most difficult goals to achieve.
In sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, for every 100,000 live births, an estimated 390 women will die in childbirth. map report.
To reach the SDG target, Africa will need to reduce by 86 percent from the last data update in 2017, the WHO said, an unrealistic feat given the current rate of decline.
COVID effect
The slowdown has been exacerbated by the disruptive impact of COVID-19 pandemic, including critical health services, from postpartum care for women and babies, to immunization services and neonatal intensive care.
As of 2021, Africa also faces a resurgence of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks.
For example, from January to March of this year, measles cases increased by 400% compared to the same period last year.
trippingly
Inadequate investment in health and funding of health programs are just two of the main obstacles to meeting the Health Sustainable Development Goals.
WHO surveyed 47 African countries and found that the region has a ratio of 1.55 doctors, nurses and midwives per 1,000 people, well below the agency’s threshold of 4.45 health workers per 1,000 people. United Nations agencies needed to provide essential services and achieve universal health coverage.
Atlas shows that skilled birth attendants are vital to the health of women and babies, yet only 65% of births in Africa benefit from this vital service – the lowest around the world and is far from the 2030 target of 90 cents.
Meanwhile, infant mortality accounts for nearly half of all deaths in children under the age of 5.
Accelerating the agenda to meet the mitigation target will be an important step towards reducing under-5 mortality to less than 25 deaths per 1,000 live births.
The Atlas also presents the latest data on more than 50 health-related SDGs and provides comprehensive national statistics for the region.
A nurse examines a pregnant mother during an antenatal visit at a health center in Uganda.
