Nigeria has led global maternal mortality since 2021, with 993 deaths per 100,000 in 2023

  • Nigeria’s MMR dropped by just 13% in 23 years — from 1,136 to 993
  • The country never left the global top 10 between 2000 and 2023
  • Nigeria became number one by 2021 and still leads
  • Sierra Leone dropped by 78%, from 1,603 to 354
  • South Sudan dropped by 58%, despite conflict
  • Africa dominated the list, with nearly all top 10 countries coming from the region
  • Nigeria accounted for 29% of global maternal deaths in 2023

Between 2000 and 2023, Nigeria never left the global top ten for maternal mortality. Even though its rate dropped by about 13%, from 1,136 to 993 deaths per 100,000 live births, that progress was far too slow.

Sierra Leone — dropped its MMR from 1,603 to 354 (a 78% decline) — and South Sudan, cut its rate by 58% despite years of conflict. By 2021, Nigeria became number one — and it hasn’t dropped since.

Africa dominated the list, with nearly all top 10 countries coming from the region. These are the top ten countries with the highest maternal mortality rates between 2000 and 2023.

Source:

WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, World Bank Group and UNPD (MMEIG) - April 2025

Period:

2000-2023
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