In 2008 the number of African women who died from pregnancy and child birth was much higher than the number of casualties from all the major conflicts in Africa combined. Maternal mortality continues to be the major cause of death among women of reproductive age (15-49) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Most of these women die from complications that can often be effectively treated in a health system that has adequate skilled personnel, a functioning referral system and can respond to obstetric emergencies when they occur.

The human consequences of the current global financial crisis for the developing world are presumed to be severe, yet few studies have quantified such impact. Using Demographic and Health surveys from 30 countries as well as IMF growth shortfall projections, Jed Friedman and Norbert Schady estimate that 30,000 to 50,000 more infant deaths will occur in Sub-Saharan Africa this year. Most of these additional deaths are likely to be poorer children born to women in rural areas with lower education levels, and are overwhelmingly female. If the crisis continues to worsen the number of deaths may grow much larger, especially of girls. Policies that protect the income of poor households and that maintain critical health services during times of economic contraction should be considered. Interventions targeted at female infants and young girls may be particularly beneficial. Policy Research Working Paper 5023