The goals

  • Reduce by three quarters the maternal mortality ratio.
Are we getting any closer to these goals in 2007? Have a look at this table.

The Problem


Pregnancy and childbirth are a risky business. In 2005, in developed countries, the mother died in 51 out of every 100 000 births. In developing countries, the mother died in 450 out of every 100 000 live births.
The main reason is that mothers cannot get to health clinics while they are pregnant and during birth. There simply may not be a health clinic with trained staff very nearby. In many cases mothers will have to walk long distances, sometimes days, because there are no buses or other transportation to get them to a clinic. Young women in many parts of the world do not know enough about pregnancy and so get pregnant at a young age. They grow up with traditional ideas about pregnancy, while also using modern health care would greatly improve their and their babies' chances of survival.

Having a baby is still dangerous in some parts of the world!

Links


A World Health Organisation report.
Maternal mortality statistics per country.
A better world for all.
Births attended by healthcare professionals.

The Millenium Development Goals

1. Poverty
2. Education
3. Gender Inequality
4. Child Mortality
5. Maternal Health
6. Combat Disease
7. Sustainability
8. Global Partnership