This report is based on a master set of data that has been compiled by an Inter-agency and Expert Group on MDG Indicators led by the Department of Economic and Social affairs of the United Nations Secretariat, in response to the wishes of the General assembly for periodic assessment of progress towards the MDGs.
- Child mortality has been almost halved, but more progress is needed
Worldwide, the mortality rate for children under age five dropped almost 50 per cent, from 90 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 48 in 2012. Preventable diseases are the main causes of under-five deaths and appropriate actions need to be taken to address them.
- Much more needs to be done to reduce maternal mortality.
Globally, the maternal mortality ratio dropped by 45 per cent between 1990 and 2013, from 380 to 210 deaths per 100,000 live births. Worldwide, almost 300,000 women died in 2013 from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Maternal death is mostly preventable and much more needs to be done to provide care to pregnant women.