Preventing, detecting and treating the leading cause of maternal mortality
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH)
Including the Human Reproduction Special Programme (HRP)
Postpartum haemorrhage
Severe bleeding after childbirth - postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) - is the leading cause of maternal mortality world-wide. Each year, about 14 million women experience PPH resulting in about 70,000 maternal deaths globally.
Even when women survive, they often need urgent surgical interventions to control the bleeding and may be left with lifelong reproductive disability.
11 October 2023
A roadmap to combat postpartum haemorrhage between 2023 and 2030
In recognition of the growing need for global action to improve PPH prevention and care, the World Health Organization (WHO) worked together with key stakeholders...
Initiative
Events
News
Publications
WHO recommendation on uterine balloon tamponade for the treatment of postpartum haemorrhage
WHO recommendation on routes of oxytocin administration for the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage after vaginal birth
WHO recommendation on umbilical vein injection of oxytocin for the treatment of retained placenta
Journal articles
Project briefs