Autoimmune & ArthritisPPH Kills a Woman Every 12 Minutes — New WHO Definition Aims to Change That
Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal death worldwide, affecting an estimated 27 million women each year — 17 million after vaginal birth and 10 million after caesarean delivery. A new Lancet review from Oxford and WHO researchers documents the staggering scale: 43,000 deaths annually, serious complications including hysterectomy and organ failure, and a global economic burden of $10.4 billion. The WHO recently redefined PPH to prioritize earlier diagnosis, requiring objective blood loss measurement. The review identifies key missed opportunities: unmet contraception needs, untreated anaemia, unnecessary caesareans, and inconsistent use of proven uterotonic drugs. A global PPH Roadmap (2023–30) outlines a path forward.
