The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners have launched a new global roadmap aimed at reducing deaths and serious complications linked to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia.
The conditions affect an estimated 10 to 15 per cent of pregnancies worldwide and account for about 16 per cent of maternal deaths globally, resulting in an estimated 42,000 maternal deaths each year, as well as more than 500,000 stillbirths and newborn deaths.
WHO says many women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, still lack access to essential services such as blood-pressure monitoring, urine protein testing and medicines needed to prevent or manage severe complications.
The agency also identified weak referral systems, shortages of trained health workers and limited access to emergency obstetric care as factors contributing to delays in life-saving treatment.
Launching the roadmap, WHO Director of Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Child, Adolescent Health and Ageing, Dr Pascale Allotey, said the outcome of pre-eclampsia can depend on whether high blood pressure is detected early and whether quality emergency care is available when the condition becomes severe.
The Global Roadmap for Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy 2026–2035 and Beyond outlines coordinated actions in research, clinical guidance, access to medicines and diagnostics, healthcare implementation and accountability.
WHO says the roadmap also aims to address gaps in research and innovation, particularly the limited development of medicines specifically designed and approved for preventing or treating pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.
The organisation is calling on governments, researchers, healthcare professionals, funders and development partners to strengthen investment and ensure proven interventions reach women and babies who need them.
