Speaker
Description
Background: Unsafe abortion remains a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, contributing significantly to maternal mortality and morbidity. Despite various initiatives to reduce abortion-related deaths, the problem persists in the region.
Objective: To estimate trends in maternal abortion and miscarriage incidence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in sub-Saharan Africa from 1990 to 2021.
Methods: The burden of maternal abortion and miscarriage was analyzed using age-standardized incidence, death, and DALY rates by sub-region and country. Annual and total percentage changes were calculated to assess trends, and line graphs and tables were used for regional comparisons.
Results: The age-standardized incidence rate declined from 2,414.9 per 100,000 in 1990 to 1,695.3 per 100,000 in 2021, a 29% reduction (95% UI: −0.32, −0.28). Deaths fell from 8.55 (95% UI: 6.9–10.22) to 1.94 per 100,000 (95% UI: 1.56–2.45), while DALYs decreased from 476.9 (95% UI: 388.6–566.2) to 109.4 per 100,000 (95% UI: 89.2–136.6). Eastern Africa showed the greatest decline in deaths (APC −5.76%) and DALYs (APC −5.67%), while Southern Africa recorded the smallest reduction in incidence (APC −0.27%).
Conclusion and recommendations: The incidence, death, and DALYs from maternal abortion and miscarriage in sub-Saharan Africa decreased from 1990 to 2021. The largest reduction in mortality and DALYs was observed in Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa, while the greatest decline in incidence occurred in Central Sub-Saharan Africa. Although all regions show improvement, Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa had the highest incidence rates in both 1990 and 2021, indicating persistent challenges. There is a need for targeted interventions in regions with slower progress, especially Eastern and Western Sub-Saharan Africa.
