Countdown to 2015:

Goal 5

Improve Maternal Health

Target 6:

Reduce by three-quarters, between 1990 and 2015, the maternal mortality ratio

Progress Indicators:

16. Maternal mortality ratio (UNICEF-WHO)
17. Proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel (UNICEF-WHO)

Success Stories

Galvanizing support for maternal health is the goal of the UNFPA-led Campaign to End Fistula, which in 2006 worked in 40 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and the Arab States. The aim is to prevent and treat a terrible childbirth injury called fistula-a rupture in the birth canal that occurs during prolonged, obstructed labour and leaves women incontinent, isolated and ashamed...more >>>

quick facts

• Since 1990, every region has made progress in ensuring that women receive antenatal care at least once during their pregnancy. Even in sub-Saharan Africa, where the least progress has occurred, more than two thirds of women receive antenatal care at least one time during pregnancy.