Trends in maternal mortality in Peru 2019 - 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Maternal mortality is a highly sensitive indicator of the living conditions, health and development of the population. Objective: To determine the situation of maternal mortality (MM) in Peru between 2019 and 2023, visualising the figures and interventions. Material and methods. Information was reviewed from the Maternal Mortality Epidemiological Surveillance System of the General Directorate of Epidemiology of the Ministry of Health, the HIS System for the registration and coding of information, and the Demographic and Family Health Survey for the years 2021 to 2023. Results: A decrease in the number of maternal deaths (264 MM in 2023) and in the maternal mortality ratio (51.9 per 100,000 live births in 2023) in Peru has been found. Direct causes od death are maintained, but in different percentages by natural regions, with hemorrhage being the leading cause of maternal mortality. The coverage of care has increased in recent years, but it is still necessary to improve the capacity for timely response and quality of health services. Conclusions: Although there is evidence of a decrease in MM, it is necessary to strengthen the strategies that have been implemented to meet the Sustainable Development Goal 3 target on reducing global maternal mortality to 70 per 100,000 live births. The maternal mortality reduction target set for Peru for 2030 is 41.3 per 100,000 live births.