The World Health Organization (WHO) has commended Sri Lanka for significantly reducing maternal mortality to 25 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023, attributing this success to the country’s free and equitable maternal healthcare system, skilled midwifery, and strong commitment to continuous quality improvement.
This achievement was highlighted during a webinar series hosted in partnership with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health, as part of the WHO’s 2025 World Health Day campaign, themed “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.”
While celebrating Sri Lanka’s progress, the WHO also raised concern over a rise in low birth weight babies, citing recent studies that emphasize the urgent need to investigate the underlying causes, especially the role of maternal nutrition. The organization warned that Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic challenges may be affecting access to nutritious food and essential healthcare services for pregnant women.
The WHO noted that maternal nutrition has long-term consequences on both the health of mothers and the development of children, urging policymakers to prioritize evidence-based interventions and nutritional support in national healthcare strategies.
Globally, maternal health remains a pressing concern, with nearly 300,000 women dying each year due to complications from pregnancy and childbirth. While maternal mortality has decreased by 40% since 2000, the burden remains high in specific regions—Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 70% of global maternal deaths in 2023, and Central and Southern Asia contributing another 17%.
Looking ahead, the WHO emphasized the need for Sri Lanka to strengthen prenatal and postnatal services, bridge healthcare access gaps, and implement advanced medical practices to ensure continued improvements in maternal and newborn health.
The WHO reiterated its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s maternal health goals and called for sustained investmentin maternal well-being, emphasizing that healthy mothers are the foundation of a healthy future for the nation.
