Achieving MDG of reducing maternal mortality ratio: a comparative study of selected South Asian countries

Abstract

Reducing the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) by three quarters by 2015 was one of the major Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). I performed a comparative study of policy tools and outcomes for reducing the MMR in five major South Asian Countries—Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. I observed that countries with a greater focus on achieving gender parity and equal health access and having specific healthcare policies to promote maternal care were more successful in achieving the MDG of reducing the MMR. Thus, any healthcare policy targeting women should also consider gender parity and women empowerment policies of a country.