New Lancet Series Outlines Roadmap to Reduce Postpartum Hemorrhage Deaths

Experts from the University of Oxford, the World Health Organization and other institutions published a new three-part series in The Lancet outlining a roadmap to reduce deaths from postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. The authors estimate that PPH affects 27 million women each year and contributes to nearly 43,000 maternal deaths annually.

The series examines the burden of PPH, barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment, and opportunities to improve outcomes through evidence-based interventions. The first paper explores the epidemiology and causes of PPH, the second highlights opportunities to reduce the risk of severe bleeding before childbirth even begins, and the third outlines approaches for reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment. The authors argue that many PPH-related deaths could be prevented through earlier recognition of blood loss, faster treatment and broader implementation of proven interventions.

The recommendations include expanding the use of objective blood-loss measurement tools, strengthening health system preparedness and improving access to proven treatments for hemorrhage. The series describes these measures as critical steps toward ending preventable maternal deaths from PPH.