J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2026 Dec;39(1):2721085. doi: 10.1080/14767058.2026.2721085. Epub 2026 Aug 25.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Maternal and neonatal diseases pose major global public health challenges with disproportionate burdens across socioeconomic settings. This study systematically evaluates global epidemiological trends and future projections of these diseases.
METHODS: Using Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data from 1990 to 2021 across 204 countries, we analyzed age-standardized prevalence, incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) rates. Stratification was based on the Socio-Demographic Index (SDI). Medium-term trends (2022-2031) were forecasted using ARIMA models.
RESULTS: Globally, age-standardized prevalence increased (EAPC = 0.48), while incidence, mortality, and DALY rates declined significantly (EAPC: -0.97, -1.64, and -1.42, respectively). Low SDI regions, particularly sub-Saharan Africa, bore the heaviest mortality and DALY burdens-exceeding high SDI regions by more than tenfold. South Asia showed the highest prevalence. Males under 5 years and females aged 20-34 were identified as high-risk groups. Forecasts indicate continued prevalence rise and substantial mortality reduction by 2031, with persistent inequalities.
CONCLUSION: Despite global progress, marked inequalities persist. Differentiated health policies, strengthened primary care in low-resource settings, and multi-sector collaboration are urgently needed to reduce maternal and neonatal health inequities.
PMID:42642335 | DOI:10.1080/14767058.2026.2721085
