Maternal and child health

Maternal health describes the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period (after the birth). In addition to data on maternal mortality (death) and morbidity (illness), we can also refer to data on access and use of trained health professionals during the birth, and attendance at antenatal clinics.

Child health refers to the health, nutrition status, and mortality experienced in the key child age groups (neonatal, infant, under five).