Since 1990, the world has seen a 44 per cent decline in the maternal death ratio – an enormous achievement. But in spite of these gains, some 830 women still die every day from causes related to pregnancy or childbirth. This is about one woman every two minutes. And for every woman who dies, 20 or 30 encounter injuries, infections or disabilities. Most of these deaths and injuries are entirely preventable. Making motherhood safer is a human rights imperative, and it is at the core of UNFPA’s mandate. UNFPA works around the world with governments, health experts and civil society to train health workers, improve the availability of essential medicines and reproductive health services, strengthen health systems, and promote international maternal health standards.