NEW DELHI: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are now a major cause of poor health among women of reproductive age and are increasingly recognized as key contributors to illness and death during pregnancy and childbirth.
Concerned that globally, more pregnancies are being affected by NCDs such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart conditions, obesity and other long-term health problems, the WHO is developing new recommendations to improve care for pregnant and postpartum women living with NCDs.
“Today, indirect causes account for about 23% of maternal deaths worldwide, making them the second leading cause after haemorrhage,” WHO said.
The impact is especially heavy in low‑ and middle‑income countries (LMIC), where most maternal deaths occur and where NCDs are becoming a growing driver of poor health outcomes.
To discuss the issue, WHO is holding an expert convening on NCD care integration during pregnancy, on June 30.
NEW DELHI: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are now a major cause of poor health among women of reproductive age and are increasingly recognized as key contributors to illness and death during pregnancy and childbirth.
Concerned that globally, more pregnancies are being affected by NCDs such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart conditions, obesity and other long-term health problems, the WHO is developing new recommendations to improve care for pregnant and postpartum women living with NCDs.
Highlighting that global evidence shows a clear shift in the causes of maternal deaths, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said a rising share is now due to indirect causes, many of them linked to NCDs.
“Today, indirect causes account for about 23% of maternal deaths worldwide, making them the second leading cause after haemorrhage,” WHO said.
These conditions, which may already exist before pregnancy or develop during it, can affect the health of both the woman and the baby.
The impact is especially heavy in low‑ and middle‑income countries (LMIC), where most maternal deaths occur and where NCDs are becoming a growing driver of poor health outcomes.
To discuss the issue, WHO is holding an expert convening on NCD care integration during pregnancy, on June 30. The group aims to ensure that WHO guideline-derivative tools are practical, implementable, and responsive to health-system realities.
At the event, experts will also provide guidance on the dissemination and implementation of new and upcoming clinical guidelines on maternal and perinatal health and NCDs, supporting their integration into existing WHO tools and strengthening continuity of care across the life course.
