Every 12 minutes, a woman dies from postpartum haemorrhage, making it the world's leading direct cause of maternal death. Yet many of these deaths could be prevented through earlier diagnosis, faster treatment, and wider access to proven interventions.
A major new three-part Lancet Series, led by researchers from the University of Oxford, brings together the latest evidence on postpartum haemorrhage and sets out a roadmap for reducing its devastating impact. The Series highlights practical, affordable measures that could save thousands of lives every year.
Professor Arri Coomarasamy, Professor of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine at the University of Oxford and co-author of the Series, said: "Every maternal death from postpartum haemorrhage is a tragedy, and most are preventable. Our research shows that we already have the tools needed to save thousands of lives. What is needed now is urgent action to ensure these proven interventions reach every woman, everywhere."
PAPER 1: The devastation of postpartum haemorrhage
The first paper in the Series examines the scale and impact of postpartum haemorrhage worldwide.
The researchers estimate that postpartum haemorrhage affects around 27 million women every year and causes nearly 43,000 maternal deaths. The burden falls disproportionately on women in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia.
Beyond the human cost, postpartum haemorrhage places a significant strain on families, health systems and national economies. The Series estimates the annual economic burden exceeds US$10 billion globally.
Read the full story on the Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health website.