In 50 weeks, 161 maternal deaths and 2,056 infants

The epidemiological surveillance system registered 161 maternal deaths in 50 weeks of 2024. By the same date in 2023, 200 mothers’ deaths had been registered, which implies that there have been 39 fewer deaths to date.

In this epidemiological week 50, one maternal death is reported, which corresponds to Haitian nationality. The cumulative number of maternal deaths to date is 161, with a reduction of 19.5% in maternal deaths in 2023.

The Ministry of Health insists it has made progress in reducing maternal mortality. However, intensifying surveillance, optimizing the quality of care, training medical personnel, and ensuring access to care are essential.

General data

In 2020, approximately 287,000 maternal deaths were recorded globally, representing a maternal mortality rate of 211 per 100,000 live births. Between 2000 and 2020, this rate dropped by 34%, although 95% of all maternal deaths occurred in low- and lower-middle-income countries. The country’s Ministry of Health explains that professional care at birth is crucial, as timely treatment can save lives.

Causes

The leading causes of maternal death in the Dominican Republic are hemorrhage, infections, and hypertension during pregnancy.

With regard to infant deaths, at week 50, the system registered 2,056 deaths, and more than 80% of those deaths occurred within the first 28 days of birth. These two indicators are linked to quality.