Mothers’ wellbeing: a cornerstone for healthier societies and sustainable development

Maternal mortality and morbidity: still unacceptably high

Every two minutes, a mother dies due to complications from pregnancy or childbirth.

Despite advancements in medical care, maternal mortality has stagnated since 2015, with low-income countries bearing the brunt of this crisis. For every maternal death, many women endure chronic conditions like obstetric fistula or pelvic organ prolapse, which severely impact their ability to care for their families and communities.

Beyond survival, the quality of life for mothers remains a critical but often neglected issue. These challenges ripple through families and societies, creating barriers to stability and development.

Maternal mental health: The hidden pandemic

Maternal mental health is another pressing but overlooked issue. Conditions like postpartum depression affect nearly 20% of mothers in low- and middle-income countries, yet stigma and limited resources often prevent them from seeking help. Poor mental health in mothers undermines their caregiving ability, impacting children’s development and family dynamics.

MMM calls for integrating maternal mental health into primary healthcare systems and supporting mothers through policies that address work-life balance and reduce social isolation.

Why maternal health matters for society

Healthy mothers are vital for nurturing strong families and resilient communities. As caregivers, they influence early childhood development, reduce child mortality, and act as informal health carers making crucial decisions about nutrition and healthcare. When mothers thrive, they foster the well-being and resilience of both current and future generations.

Investing in maternal health yields long-term societal benefits, from reducing neonatal risks to promoting intergenerational solidarity. Healthy mothers lay the foundation for healthier, more equitable and more resilient societies.

MMM’s call to action

1. Intensify efforts to address the scourge of maternal mortality and morbidity and Invest in maternal Health: Ensure universal access to maternal healthcare, prioritise preventative care, and provide mental health support for mothers
2. Recognise the economic and social value of unpaid care cork, in particular the one performed by mothers, which underpins our communities, societies and economies worldwide
3. Redistribute care work: promote equitable sharing of caregiving responsibilities through policy and infrastructure investments
4. Transform Economic Systems: shift focus from GDP to wellbeing metrics that include maternal health as a key indicator

Mothers are the backbone of families and communities. By valuing and investing in their wellbeing, societies can achieve sustainable development and ensure healthier lives for all. As the CPD58 session highlights the importance of health and wellbeing, MMM’s message is clear: maternal wellbeing is a universal priority that cannot wait.

Read MMM’s full written statement