A UN report highlights that aid cuts by wealthy nations are jeopardizing the lives of pregnant women, particularly in conflict areas where risks are already disproportionately high. While global maternal deaths decreased significantly from 2000 to 2023, progress has stalled, with 260,000 deaths reported in 2023 alone. Funding reductions, especially from the US, have led to clinic closures and disrupted access to essential healthcare. Experts warn that these cuts could produce pandemic-like effects on maternal health, potentially reversing years of progress in safe pregnancy practices and outcomes.
"With Covid, we saw an acute shock to the system, and what's happening with financing is an acute shock; countries have not had time to plan for alternate financing."
"The threat of major backsliding in maternal healthcare is underscored by the alarming fact that deaths from pregnancy-related causes rose to 260,000 in 2023."
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