Pregnancy and childbirth a leading cause of death in young mums

Complications during pregnancy and childbirth is one of the leading causes of death in young people.

A study into the global patterns of death in people aged between 10-24 years of age found that most causes of death were preventable and 97 per cent of these deaths took place in low and middle income countries.

As well as childbearing being a major risk, road traffic accidents, suicide, violence, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis were the other major causes of mortality.

The study published today in the Lancet medical journal has been supported by the World Health Organisation and is the first study to pull together causes of death among young people both globally and regionally.

It is hoped that the findings will help to create policies to improve and protect the lives of young people.

WHO’s Assistant Director-General for Family and Community Health, Daisy Mafubelu said: “Young people are transitioning from childhood to adulthood – at the threshold of becoming productive members of society – yet they often fall through the cracks. It is clear from these findings that considerable investment is needed – not only from the health sector, but also from sectors including education, welfare, transport, and justice – to improve access to information and services, and help young people avoid risky behaviours that can lead to death.”