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Recent reports indicate a distressing surge in newborn fatalities in some of the most disadvantaged regions of sub-Saharan Africa, coinciding with significant reductions in global aid. A combination of ongoing conflict, displacement, and dwindling support is leaving mothers without the vital resources and care they require during childbirth. This situation has sparked urgent calls for action from health professionals and advocacy groups alike.
A Grim Reality for New Mothers
Data gathered from over three million refugee women across 20 countries reveals that neonatal mortality rates—a key indicator of maternal and child health—have skyrocketed by 81 per cent from 2025 to 2026. The figures, shared exclusively with The Independent, show an increase from 3.1 to 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, as reported by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR). This alarming trend is paralleled by a staggering 111 per cent rise in deaths within the first year of life, climbing from 8.3 to 17.5 per 1,000 live births. Moreover, overall child mortality rates for those under five have surged by 50 per cent.
The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) highlights that over 11 million individuals have lost access to essential sexual and reproductive health services as a direct result of aid cuts. Close to 1,100 health facilities and mobile clinics have shut down, while another 727 are functioning with severely limited resources, including staffing and medical supplies. The impact is profound: nearly 6,000 healthcare professionals, including midwives and frontline workers, have been laid off, exacerbating an already critical situation in maternal health care.
The Impact of Aid Reductions
Dr. Mitchell Sangma, a health advisor with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), emphasises the dire consequences of these aid reductions. “Global maternal mortality trends already show us where women’s lives are most at risk, and sub-Saharan Africa remains at the centre of this crisis,” he states. The reliance on external humanitarian support for maintaining essential services makes these communities especially vulnerable when aid is cut.
In Nigeria, for instance, the closure of 386 health facilities has deprived approximately 380,000 people of crucial maternal health services. Similarly, the Central African Republic has seen over 100,000 individuals lose access to necessary health care. These closures coincide with the release of “Hard Labour,” a documentary by The Independent that highlights the challenges faced by women and newborns in these regions.
A Global Decline in Maternal Health
While global efforts to reduce maternal mortality had previously led to a 40 per cent decline over the last two decades, progress has stagnated. The World Health Organisation (WHO) notes that the average annual decrease in maternal mortality rates has slowed to 1.5 per cent between 2013 and 2023, significantly lower than the 2.6 per cent recorded from 2000 to 2010. With the current global maternal mortality rate standing at 197 per 100,000 live births, many countries remain far above the UN Sustainable Development Goal of reducing this figure to below 70 by 2030.
Financial forecasts from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) predict that official development assistance for health could diminish by 29 to 46 per cent from 2024 to 2026, equating to a loss of between $5 billion and $8 billion. Funding for sexual and reproductive health services, including programmes addressing HIV and sexually transmitted infections, may see cuts of up to 54 per cent.
A Call for Urgent Action
The implications of these funding cuts are stark. A recent study suggested that the previous administration’s cuts could lead to a 45 per cent increase in maternal mortality across several African nations, resulting in an estimated 1,000 additional maternal deaths per 100,000 live births within a year.
Sarah Shaw from MSI Reproductive Choices affirms, “The world has made remarkable progress in reducing maternal deaths, proving these fatalities are preventable when women have access to quality healthcare.” Yet, the ongoing cuts, combined with conflict and displacement, are making it increasingly difficult for women to obtain essential reproductive health services.
In Somalia, CARE International reports that it has had to close 50 out of 80 health and nutrition centres due to funding shortages, with another 15 expected to shut soon. This has resulted in a noticeable spike in severe malnutrition, particularly affecting pregnant women and young children.
Why it Matters
The escalating crisis surrounding maternal and newborn health in sub-Saharan Africa is not merely a statistic; it represents the lives of mothers and their children who are struggling under the weight of external pressures and dwindling support. If immediate action is not taken to restore and enhance funding for essential healthcare services, we risk reversing decades of hard-won progress, leaving countless vulnerable women and infants at greater risk. The international community must come together to ensure that no mother or child is left behind, as the consequences of inaction will be felt for generations to come.
