Background In transitioning from the Millennium Development Goal to the Sustainable
Development Goal era, it is imperative to comprehensively assess progress toward reducing …

Summary Background The fifth Millennium Development Goal (MDG 5) established the goal
of a 75% reduction in the maternal mortality ratio (MMR; number of maternal deaths per 100 …

Background Maternal mortality remains a major challenge to health systems worldwide.
Reliable information about the rates and trends in maternal mortality is essential for resource …

Summary Background Millennium Development Goal 5 calls for a 75% reduction in the
maternal mortality ratio (MMR) between 1990 and 2015. We estimated levels and trends in …

Background With 4 years until 2015, it is essential to monitor progress towards Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5. Although estimates of maternal and child mortality …

Background Improving survival and extending the longevity of life for all populations
requires timely, robust evidence on local mortality levels and trends. The Global Burden of …

Background As one of only a handful of countries that have achieved both Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5, China has substantially lowered maternal mortality in …

Background Data for the causes of maternal deaths are needed to inform policies to improve
maternal health. We developed and analysed global, regional, and subregional estimates of …

Summary Background Established in 2000, Millennium Development Goal 4 (MDG4)
catalysed extraordinary political, financial, and social commitments to reduce under-5 …

Background Maternal mortality, as a largely avoidable cause of death, is an important focus
of international development efforts, and a target for Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 5 …