TL;DR: Tens of Thousands of Mothers Face Preventable Deaths Due to Postpartum Hemorrhage Amid Aid Cuts
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the top cause of maternal deaths globally, particularly in low-income regions where healthcare access is limited. Aid cuts are worsening this crisis by reducing supplies of lifesaving tools and medications like tranexamic acid and uterine balloon tamponades. Scientific solutions exist but are underutilized due to funding gaps.
• PPH accounts for up to 27% of maternal deaths, with poorer regions disproportionately affected.
• Recent international aid cuts have caused healthcare regressions, increasing maternal deaths in vulnerable areas.
• Proven solutions, including simple medical tools and community training, remain unavailable without adequate funding.
Support increased maternal health funding and organizations like Amref Health Africa to help combat preventable maternal deaths.
Tens of thousands of mothers are bleeding to death giving birth. Aid cuts are denying them a solution
Every year, tens of thousands of women lose their lives due to postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. For women in low and middle-income countries, the risk is devastatingly high due to limited access to life-saving resources, which has been exacerbated by recent international aid cuts. Efforts to combat this crisis have seen breakthroughs in maternal care, but funding reductions threaten to undo years of progress.
Between 2023 and 2026, maternal mortality rates began to increase in the world’s most vulnerable regions as foreign aid for healthcare programs was slashed. Sub-Saharan Africa, home to the highest rates of maternal deaths globally, recorded significant regressions in healthcare access. Experts argue that the situation could have been mitigated if the life-saving treatments developed over the last few years were adequately distributed and supported.
What is postpartum hemorrhage and why are aid cuts worsening the crisis?
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is excessive bleeding following childbirth, responsible for up to 27% of maternal deaths globally. Although the condition can affect women during or after childbirth anywhere, the disparity lies in the outcomes. In higher-income countries, accessible healthcare ensures rapid response, often preventing fatalities. However, in poorer regions, delays in diagnosis, insufficient medical supplies, and lack of skilled workers make PPH a death sentence for countless mothers.
The World Health Organization has outlined effective interventions, such as the administration of uterine balloon tamponades (UBTs) and the clotting drug tranexamic acid (TXA), which can significantly reduce bleeding. These tools were starting to reach communities in need, but government aid cuts in 2025 led to a shortage of these vital supplies.
A 2025 report revealed that maternal healthcare programs, including the U.S.-funded Momentum Country and Global Leadership (MCGL), were halted in regions like Malawi and Tanzania. Women in rural areas experienced a sharp decline in access to antenatal services, and some clinics faced critical shortages of essential supplies. As a result, maternal deaths from severe bleeding surged in places where conditions had been steadily improving over the last decade.
Scientific breakthroughs are going to waste
Thanks to pioneering research by global health experts, practical solutions for managing severe postpartum bleeding have been developed. One key innovation is the use of a simple “drape” to measure blood loss accurately during childbirth. By combining this method with immediate administration of oxytocin, TXA, and intravenous fluids, hospitals in trial regions reduced maternal mortality by up to 60%. This remarkable protocol provided a lifeline for women without access to advanced hospitals.
Unfortunately, aid cuts are stalling implementation. Clinics reported running out of key medications, while outreach initiatives designed to educate health workers and distribute supplies were scaled back. “It’s heartbreaking because we know what to do, we just don’t have the means to do it,” said Victoria Mzungu, a nurse in Salima, Malawi, where clinic closures are rising.
What can be done to prevent more maternal deaths?
The solution to postpartum hemorrhage lies in scaling up accessible interventions. Universal distribution of tools like tranexamic acid and UBT devices could save thousands of lives. However, this effort requires restoring and increasing international funding for maternal health. Additionally, prioritizing community-based healthcare and training programs can ensure even the most remote clinics are equipped to manage emergencies.
Non-governmental organizations such as WaterAid and Amref Health Africa continue to fill some gaps. These organizations are providing maternal wards with basic but crucial resources like clean water and medical supplies. Their work emphasizes the importance of partnerships between governments, NGOs, and the private sector to bolster maternal healthcare systems.
A call to action for global solidarity
The rising maternal mortality crisis underscores the urgent need for coordinated global action. Programs that focus on preventative measures, such as regular antenatal visits and nutritional support, not only reduce risks of postpartum bleeding but also strengthen overall maternal health. Public and private donors must renew commitments to funding these essential services, ensuring that all women, regardless of their location, have the opportunity to survive childbirth.
For those passionate about global health, consider advocating for increased maternal care funding or supporting organizations already on the front lines. Together, we can address this preventable crisis and honor the fundamental right to safe motherhood.
FAQs: Addressing Postpartum Hemorrhage and Aid Cuts Crisis
What is postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), and why is it a major cause of maternal mortality?
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the excessive loss of blood following childbirth, accounting for up to 27% of global maternal deaths. It can occur during or after delivery and, without timely intervention, can lead to severe complications or death. The disparity in outcomes between low and high-income countries is striking; women in resource-rich nations often receive immediate medical care, while delays in diagnosis and a lack of skilled personnel in low-income regions make PPH fatal for many mothers. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended effective interventions like uterine balloon tamponades (UBTs) and tranexamic acid (TXA). However, accessibility remains a critical issue, particularly as international aid cuts disrupt healthcare services in vulnerable regions. Learn more about WHO's recommendations for tackling PPH at the WHO Postpartum Hemorrhage Resource.
How have international aid cuts worsened maternal mortality rates?
Recent reductions in international health aid, particularly under policies like the U.S. "America First Global Health Strategy" in 2025, have disproportionately impacted maternal healthcare programs. Clinics in sub-Saharan Africa, already struggling with limited resources, reported a sharp decline in access to lifesaving tools, such as oxytocin and TXA, following aid cuts. Programs like the U.S.-funded Momentum Country and Global Leadership (MCGL) initiative, critical for outreach and supply distribution, were scaled back or closed entirely. This rollback reversed progress of the past decade, with maternal mortality rising across affected regions. These cuts have not only limited access to trained healthcare workers but have also shut down several rural maternity clinics, leaving thousands of women without care.
What scientific breakthroughs exist to manage postpartum hemorrhage?
Advances in global health have led to practical solutions that dramatically decrease deaths from severe postpartum bleeding. A breakthrough, tested in Africa in 2023, includes combining a blood-loss measuring drape, uterotonic medications (like oxytocin), TXA, and intravenous fluids during delivery. This cost-effective protocol reduced maternal deaths due to PPH by up to 60% in areas where fully equipped hospitals are sparse. UBT devices have also played an essential role in managing blood loss by inflating a balloon inside the uterus to stop bleeding. Unfortunately, recent funding cuts have limited access to such resources, halting widespread application.
How can clinic closures and drug shortages affect maternal health?
The closure of clinics in impoverished regions due to funding withdrawals has created significant obstacles for pregnant women requiring prenatal and delivery care. For example, in Malawi’s rural areas, maternal deaths rose as women could no longer access essential services or medical supplies such as antibiotics, blood transfusions, and clotting drugs. Without these resources, manageable conditions like PPH are often fatal. Health workers in such clinics have expressed frustration, stating, "We know how to help, but lack the resources." Read more about the crisis in an article by The Independent on maternal aid cuts.
Why are interventions like tranexamic acid and uterine balloon tamponades critical?
Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a drug that prevents excessive bleeding, while uterine balloon tamponades (UBTs) act as physical tools to stop hemorrhage. Both have been highlighted by international health organizations as essential, low-cost interventions proven to minimize maternal mortality. For example, the WOMAN trial demonstrated that TXA reduces bleeding-related deaths by 30% when given within three hours of childbirth. UBTs, on the other hand, are effective in cases where medications alone are not enough. These tools are particularly life-saving in low-resource settings where advanced surgical care is often unavailable.
What role do NGOs play in supporting maternal healthcare?
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like WaterAid and Amref Health Africa are working to mitigate the impact of aid cuts by providing maternal health clinics with essential supplies, clean water, and sanitation. Their efforts include educating midwives and nurses in protocols for handling emergencies like PPH and distributing life-saving drugs in rural areas. Still, NGOs cannot bridge the funding shortfalls left by government aid cuts. Collaboration among governments, NGOs, and private entities is critical for strengthening maternal healthcare systems.
How can individuals contribute to reducing maternal deaths globally?
Advocacy and funding are vital. Individuals can lobby policymakers to prioritize maternal health funding, support NGOs like WaterAid or Amref Health Africa, or donate to organizations providing resources and training in vulnerable regions. Public awareness campaigns emphasizing the importance of maternal healthcare can also influence donor priorities. On a local level, promoting community health initiatives and antenatal education can make a tangible difference.
How can restaurants and food businesses promote maternal health in Malta?
In Malta, projects like MELA AI provide valuable platforms for restaurants to stand out. By earning a MELA sticker, restaurants can align their brand with health-conscious initiatives and attract diners committed to supporting quality nutrition. This alignment indirectly benefits community health by emphasizing sustainable, nutritious dining options. To learn more about how to integrate health-conscious menus, visit MELA AI – Malta Restaurants Directory.
How is the MELA index helping Malta restaurants align with global priorities like maternal health?
Restaurants participating in MELA AI not only enjoy greater visibility but also contribute to fostering a culture of better health. Adopting healthy cooking practices and responsibly sourcing ingredients align directly with the global push to improve community health, which includes maternal care. MELA AI-listed eateries often cater to families seeking wholesome and nourishing options during pregnancy or early motherhood. To enhance your restaurant’s reputation and showcase its commitment to health-focused dining, consider applying for the MELA sticker through MELA Index for Healthy Dining in Malta.
How do outreach programs save lives, and what happens when they end?
Outreach programs play a pivotal role in educating health workers in rural areas about PPH management and providing them with necessary tools. However, international aid cuts have led to the suspension of many of these initiatives, leaving remote communities with limited access to care. Without trained personnel or adequate resources, emergency situations often end tragically, highlighting the need for consistent support, funding, and engagement to sustain and scale these programs.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the “gamepreneurship” methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the point of view of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
