Maternal Mortality in Iran: Realization of the Millennium Development Goals

Background and purpose: Reducing maternal mortality by 75% between 1990 and 2015 was the fifth goal of the Millennium Development Goals Declaration in 2000 (MDG 5) and all countries were committed to achieve this goal. This study aimed to assess Iran’s success in achieving this target. Materials and methods: Data was obtained from national data sources and international reports or estimations including World Report from United Nations on maternal mortality trends, the World Bank database, World Health Organization and UNICEF reports, Maternal Mortality Surveillance System, Demographic and Health Surveys 2000 and 2010, and yearbooks of National Organization for Civil Registration and Statistical Center of Iran. Data was analyzed using Excel software to produce descriptive statistics. Results: Findings showed that Islamic Republic of Iran with an average annual reduction of 6.4% between 1990 and 2015 and a total reduction of 80% in maternal mortality during the past 25 years is one of the nine countries that have fully achieved the fifth Millennium Development Goal. Conclusion: Coordinated efforts of Iran for reducing maternal mortality during the last 25 years could be an inspiration for other countries to reduce preventable maternal mortality.