Afghanistan Maternal Mortality Ratio
Maternal mortality ratio per 100,000 live births SH.STA.MMRT
Afghanistan's maternal mortality ratio was 496.20 in 2025, ranked 7th globally. This represents a 4.8% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1985–2025.
Overview
Afghanistan's maternal mortality ratio stood at 496.20 in 2025, a decline of +24.80 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 496.20 by 2025. Afghanistan ranked 7th globally.
Afghanistan's maternal mortality ratio has exhibited a significant decline over the past four decades, with the latest available data from 2025 recording a ratio of 496.20, ranking the country seventh globally. At the beginning of the considered period in 1985, the ratio stood at an all-time peak of 2,232.00, underscoring the substantial progress achieved in reducing maternal mortality. Although Afghanistan still lags behind peer countries like Benin with a ratio of 504.20, the current trend indicates a notable improvement, with the country surpassing Lesotho's ratio of 493.60. This decline can be attributed to various factors, including improvements in healthcare infrastructure and increased access to maternal healthcare services. However, the trajectory of this trend may be impacted by the ongoing conflict and instability in the region, potentially reversing the progress achieved so far. A sustained effort to address these challenges would be crucial in continuing the downward trend and further reducing maternal mortality in Afghanistan.
Data & projection
| Year | Maternal Mortality Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 471.90 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 496.20 | - | - |
| 2025 | 496.20 | −24.80 | #7 |
| 2023 | 521.00 | −30.00 | #187 |
| 2022 | 551.00 | −109.00 | #187 |
| 2021 | 660.00 | +26.00 | #187 |
| 2020 | 634.00 | +33.00 | #187 |
| 2019 | 601.00 | −28.00 | #187 |
| 2018 | 629.00 | −30.00 | #187 |
| 2017 | 659.00 | −43.00 | #187 |
| 2016 | 702.00 | −39.00 | #188 |
| 2015 | 741.00 | −14.00 | #187 |
| 2014 | 755.00 | −23.00 | #186 |
| 2013 | 778.00 | −32.00 | #187 |
| 2012 | 810.00 | −28.00 | #187 |
| 2011 | 838.00 | −55.00 | #187 |
| 2010 | 893.00 | −32.00 | #187 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Afghanistan matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2022. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw maternal mortality ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Afghanistan's maternal mortality ratio was 496.20 in 2025. Ranked 7th globally. This represents a 4.8% decrease from the previous year.
Afghanistan's maternal mortality ratio peaked at 2,232.00 in 1985.
The lowest maternal mortality ratio in Afghanistan was 496.20 in 2025.
Afghanistan ranks 7th globally in maternal mortality ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.STA.MMRT. Data sourced from World Bank.
Afghanistan's maternal mortality ratio is projected to reach 496.20 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The maternal mortality ratio of Afghanistan in 2025 was 496.20. This ranks 7th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_afghanistan_maternal-mortality,
title = {Afghanistan Maternal Mortality Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/afghanistan/maternal-mortality/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}