Newborn and Maternal Health - Facts and Figures
Newborns
- Every minute eight newborn babies die.
- 98 per cent of newborn deaths take place in developing countries.
- Two-thirds of infant deaths occur in the first month of life; two-thirds of these are within the first week; two-thirds of those within the first day.
- Simple, proven, cost-effective solutions, such as drying and wrapping newborns, early and exclusive breastfeeding, and skilled attendance at delivery can significantly reduce the number of newborns who die each year.
- A major cause of newborn deaths in developing countries is the poor health of mothers, especially during pregnancy, delivery and the early post-delivery period.
Mothers
- Every minute one woman dies from complications associated with pregnancy and childbirth.
- 99 per cent of these deaths occur in the developing world where most women are limited by illiteracy, poor education and poverty.
- Half of all births in developing countries take place without the help of a skilled birth attendant.
- A child whose mother dies during childbirth is 3-10 times more likely to die before his or her second birthday.
- Spacing births two or more years apart significantly reduces the risk of maternal and newborn death.
For more key facts and figures as well as key advocacy messages about maternal, newborn and child health, please read our fact cards by clicking here.
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