More than 24 million women will give birth without medical assistance this year, research shows
More than 24 million women will give birth without medical assistance in 2024, new research estimates.
Women in countries affected by conflict are three times more likely to go without a skilled birth attendant, and three times more likely to give birth outside of a health facility, according to a new report by Save the Children.
Climate disasters and regressive reproductive rights and education are also denying pregnant women access to a doctor or midwife, the charity said.
These interlocking crises are threatening the progress made in reducing maternal mortality rates (MMR), Save the Children added.
Although rates have plateaued in numerous countries they are on the rise in others.
Maternal deaths fell from 339 fatalities per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 227 by 2015. However, this rate remained fixed at 223 between 2016 and 2020.
The presence of skilled birth attendants – doctors, nurses, or midwives – diminishes the risk of complications and significantly improves survival rates of both mothers and newborns, but for millions of women this assistance is not an option.
In 2024, a total of 17.9 per cent of births will not have a skilled birth attendant (SBA) present, and 22.2 per cent of births – a total of 28 million women – will give birth outside of a health facility, Save the Children found.
Access to skilled birth attendants is lowest in countries affected by conflict and climate crises, the report said.
Harm to mother and baby
In Somalia, which has been devastated by a long-running civil war, only 31.9 per cent of women give birth with a doctor, midwife or nurse present – the lowest rate of skilled birth attendance in the world.
Eritrea follows, with 34.1 per cent of births attended by a medical professional. In South Sudan, this figure stands at 39.7 per cent.
Save the Children said that many women in these countries frequently refrain from seeking medical care due to fear and insecurity, stemming from concerns about violence, harassment, or the absence of safety during the journey to health facilities.
If they do choose to travel to receive medical attention, they often endure long, difficult journeys that can be harmful to both mother and baby.
Among those countries at risk of climate-related disasters is Niger, with just 43.7 per cent of women accessing a skilled birth attendant, and Madagascar, with 45.8 per cent.
Tara Brace-John, Head of Global Policy, Advocacy & Research at Save the Children UK, said that every woman “deserves the right to give birth safely and with dignity”.
“Women living in even the most remote and dangerous areas of the world should have access to medical care, and equipment, as well as the right to access reproductive services and education,” she added.
“A mother holding her newborn baby safely in her arms for the very first time is the most precious moment there is.”
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