WHO Expands Programme to Reduce Maternal and Newborn Deaths

The World Health Organization has said health teams are reviewing the factors behind maternal and newborn deaths in a bid to identify gaps and prevent avoidable fatalities.

The organisation said on Tuesday, 21 October, that this process is being carried out under its maternal and newborn mortality surveillance and response programme. The aim of the programme is to improve the quality of health care and reduce deaths that can be prevented.

According to the WHO, the programme, supported financially by the Asian Development Bank, has been implemented since 2025 in 22 hospitals across 10 provinces and has also been expanded to 28 additional health centres in seven provinces.

The organisation added that more than 900 health workers and managers in Afghanistan have been trained since 2003 in implementing the programme.

The WHO said severe bleeding, eclampsia, or seizures caused by pregnancy complications, and infection are among the main causes of maternal deaths. Preterm birth, birth asphyxia and infection were also cited as causes of newborn deaths.