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Lancet Report Highlights India's Maternal Mortality at 1 in 10 Global Deaths, SDG 2030 Target of 70/Lakh Births at Risk

Social IssuesPolityHIGH
Target:UPSC GS-IMPSCTeachingSSC GAPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
05 Apr 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:1 in 10 global maternal deaths70 deaths per lakh births by 20302023 mortality was 1/5th of 1990 level
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What This Article Covers

1.Lancet study shows India's maternal mortality fell to a fifth of 1990 levels by 2023, but progress has slowed since 2015, threatening the SDG 2030 target.

2.India accounts for 10% of global maternal deaths, with haemorrhages, infections, and BP disorders as leading causes; COVID-19 exposed systemic fragility.

3.Implementation of schemes like LaQshya and PM Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan is uneven, with a regional divide between performing and laggard states.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

A Lancet study reveals India's maternal mortality has declined significantly since 1990 but progress has slowed post-2015. India still accounts for 1 in 10 global maternal deaths, jeopardizing the SDG target of 70 deaths per lakh births by 2030. The focus must shift from mere access to quality of care and addressing social determinants.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Global Maternal Death Share1 in 10 (India's share)
SDG 2030 Target70 deaths per lakh births
Key Causes of DeathHaemorrhages, Infections, Blood Pressure disorders
Report Published InThe Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women's Health

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Global Maternal Death Share: 1 in 10 (India's share)
  • ›SDG 2030 Target: 70 deaths per lakh births
  • ›Target this Data: India accounts for 1 in 10 global maternal deaths; SDG target is 70 deaths per lakh births by 2030.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) - responsible for national maternal health programmes.
  • ›Target this Scheme: LaQshya (Labour Room Quality Improvement Initiative) and Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA).

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Q1Static LinkageMedium

As per the Indian Constitution, 'Public Health' is primarily a subject under which list?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the findings of the Lancet report on India's maternal health:

1. Maternal mortality in 2023 was nearly one-fifth of the 1990 level.

2. The steepest decline occurred in the period after 2015.

3. India accounts for one in every five maternal deaths globally.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricEasy

What is the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target for maternal mortality, as highlighted in the Lancet report?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

According to the Lancet report's analysis, what is the essential strategic shift required to address India's maternal health challenges?

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