Ramaphosa Sounds Alarm on Maternal Health Crisis at UN

Over 700 Women Die Daily from Preventable Causes

In a stark warning from New York, President Cyril Ramaphosa called on world leaders to act decisively to protect women, children, and adolescents, highlighting that over 700 women die each day from preventable pregnancy-related complications. Addressing a high-level Global Leaders Network (GLN) event during the United Nations General Assembly, Ramaphosa painted a worrying picture of stalled progress in global health amid shrinking donor funding, ongoing conflicts, and economic shocks.

“Women, children and adolescents, those whose wellbeing defines the future of every society are bearing a disproportionate burden,” Ramaphosa told an audience of international leaders.

Survival Gains Stalling, SDGs at Risk

The South African President reminded the global community of its commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): to end preventable maternal, newborn, and child deaths and ensure universal access to reproductive health services by 2030.

“Since 2015, survival gains have plateaued,” he said. “Unless bold action is taken, 60 countries will miss the SDG target for under-five mortality, and 65 countries will fall short for neonatal mortality.” He emphasized that adolescent girls face particularly high risks, with pregnancy complications, including unsafe abortions, remaining the leading cause of death among girls aged 15 to 19 years.

Funding Shortfalls and Program Collapses

Ramaphosa highlighted how reductions in official development assistance (ODA) have caused the collapse or scaling back of critical health programs. Immunisation drives are being cut, maternal health services closed, and adolescent sexual and reproductive health initiatives disappearing. Even malaria elimination efforts are being compromised.

“The cost of inaction is staggering – in lost lives and lost potential,” Ramaphosa said, adding that bridging the gap in women’s health could generate a $1 trillion annual boost to the global economy by 2040.

Conflicts Compound the Crisis

The President stressed that fragile and conflict-affected countries bear the brunt of maternal deaths, accounting for nearly two-thirds of global fatalities in 2023. The combination of war, poverty, and weak health systems, he warned, continues to place women and children at extreme risk.

Collaboration and the Way Forward

Ramaphosa praised partnerships between the GLN and the African Leaders Malaria Alliance, highlighting Botswana President Duma Boko’s proposed financing mechanism to offset declining donor support.

He urged global leaders to recommit to three key priorities:

1. Increasing investment in global health

2. Achieving universal health coverage

3. Upholding sexual and reproductive health rights

“Your presence here today is a powerful signal of commitment to women, children, and future generations – those who will drive growth, progress, and shared prosperity,” Ramaphosa concluded.

Public Reaction

Social media has reflected mixed reactions. Many praised Ramaphosa for raising the alarm on preventable maternal deaths, while others called for tangible action beyond speeches, urging governments to invest in healthcare infrastructure and youth-focused programs.

Locally, health advocates pointed to South Africa’s own maternal health challenges, saying Ramaphosa’s UN plea underscores the urgent need to address systemic gaps in hospitals, rural clinics, and adolescent sexual health education.

{Source: IOL}

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