World PPH Day: Uniting for Zero Tolerance Towards Preventable Maternal Deaths
Every year, tens of thousands of women lose their lives to postpartum haemorrhage (PPH)—a tragedy that is preventable and treatable. In 2023 alone, nearly 45,000 women died due to PPH, making it the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. Most of these deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries, often where health systems are under-resourced and many women lack access to skilled care during childbirth.
The Global Movement for World PPH Day
Recognizing the urgent need for focused action, the global maternal health community has established October 5 as World PPH Day, starting in 2025. This annual observance aims to catalyse collective action, advocacy, and accountability with the goal of ending preventable maternal deaths from PPH.
Origins of World PPH Day
The idea for World PPH Day emerged from the WHO Roadmap to Combat Postpartum Haemorrhage (2023–2030). It called for bold advocacy to keep PPH prevention at the top of health agendas worldwide. Over two years, collaboration among health organisations, professional associations, and civil society has turned this vision into a reality.
The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), alongside partners like the WHO, FIGO, UNFPA, PMNCH, Jhpiego, Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition, and many others, spearheaded this move. The global PPH Community of Practice now involves over 70 organizations, working together to spread awareness and drive actionable change.
Why World PPH Day Matters
World PPH Day is not just a date—it’s a platform for strategic global and local efforts to:
Raise awareness about PPH as a leading, yet preventable, cause of maternal death.
Honour and remember the women who have died, while amplifying survivors’ stories.
Mobilize governments and funders to prioritize policies, resources, and training for effective PPH prevention and treatment.
Showcase actionable solutions—from proven medicines like uterotonics and tranexamic acid, to treatment bundles and skilled midwifery care.
Demand accountability through annual progress checks and persistent advocacy.
This year marks not only the beginning of World PPH Day, but also the unveiling of a consolidated set of global recommendations and clinical tools, jointly developed by WHO, FIGO, and ICM. These evidence-based resources are designed to help nations standardize care and scale proven interventions to save lives.
Progress and Lessons Learned
Recent years have demonstrated that progress is possible when evidence-based policy and practice are harmonized:
Countries like Nigeria, Ethiopia, Rwanda, India, Bangladesh, and Kenya have woven PPH treatment bundles into their national health guidelines and training programs.
Kenya has improved supply chain monitoring for vital medicines, while Bangladesh has introduced digital decision-support tools for midwives, enhancing the timeliness and quality of response.
Pilot programs in nations across Africa and Asia, including Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, Malawi, Nepal, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, and India, show that combined efforts in supply management, training, and community engagement can dramatically cut maternal mortality from PPH.
A Collective Call to Action
The establishment of World PPH Day is more than symbolic; it’s a rallying cry for all global health actors:
Every maternal death from PPH must be counted and reported, ensuring robust accountability.
Investments must increase in the tools, medicines, and skilled personnel needed to manage PPH for all mothers.
Midwives and frontline health workers require resources and recognition, as they are pivotal in delivery and emergency response.
Special effort must be made to ensure that the most marginalized women, who are at the highest risk, receive equitable access to care.
Looking Ahead
Beginning in 2025, October 5th will stand as an annual touchstone for reflection, advocacy, and progress review in the fight against PPH. Each year will bring a new focus theme, aligned with global goals like the Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage.
World PPH Day serves as a stark reminder: no woman should die from a condition that modern medicine knows how to prevent and treat. It is a matter of basic human rights, social justice, and public health. With unwavering commitment and global collaboration, the vision of zero preventable maternal deaths due to PPH is within reach.