| Synopsis: |
Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 5, which seeks to reduce by three-quarters the level of maternal mortality by 2015, has seen the least progress of all the MDGs. While the Department for International Development (DFID) deserves credit for the support it offers, major challenges continue to be seen. These include: addressing the huge shortage of midwives worldwide and increasing the availability of emergency obstetric care; and addressing the gender inequalities that prevent women fulfilling their right to health.There is a lack of data with a tendency to under-report maternal deaths and the use of national averages create uncertainty about the real scale of maternal mortality, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. It has also been estimated that for each woman who dies, a further 30 women will become disabled, injured or ill owing to pregnancy. DFID must prioritise, play to its strengths, and support other actors - especially the UN - in playing their part in order for maternal health to receive the urgent political commitment that it deserves.The accompanying "Maternal Health - Volume II: Oral and Written Evidence (HC 66-II)" (ISBN 0215513843) is available to buy separately. |