Aid cuts could have ‘pandemic-like effects’ on maternal deaths, WHO warns

A pregnant refugee, who is bleeding, is taken to a hospital in Bangassou, DRC. Maternal deaths are nearly 35 times more likely in poorer countries than rich ones. Photograph: Alexis Huguet/MSF

More women risk dying in pregnancy and childbirth because of aid cuts by wealthy countries, which could have “pandemic-like effects”, UN agencies have warned.

Pregnant women in conflict zones are the most vulnerable, and face an “alarmingly high” risk that is already five times greater than elsewhere, according to a new UN report on trends in maternal mortality.