Strengthening Maternal Health: New Efforts to Prevent Sepsis in Pregnancy

Maternal sepsis remains a major global health challenge, ranking as the third leading cause of maternal mortality and significantly contributing to overall sepsis-related deaths worldwide. This life-threatening condition arises from infections during pregnancy, childbirth, post-abortion, or the postpartum period, posing severe risks not only to mothers but also to newborns.

To address this pressing issue, the World Health Organization (WHO) has previously issued recommendations for the prevention and treatment of maternal peripartum infections. These guidelines serve as a foundation for strategic policy development and the implementation of effective interventions to improve the quality of antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care for women and newborns.

As part of its ongoing efforts to combat maternal and neonatal sepsis, WHO is prioritizing a review of evidence related to antibiotic prophylaxis during labour for vaginal birth. The goal is to enhance clinical practices, reduce infection rates, and improve maternal and newborn outcomes globally.

A Guideline Development Group (GDG) meeting is scheduled for April 9–10, 2025, where experts will evaluate the latest research to refine WHO recommendations. In line with WHO’s commitment to transparency and ethical compliance, the organization has published brief biographies of the GDG members online. Each expert has submitted a Declaration of Interest form, and WHO has conducted a rigorous internal review to prevent any potential conflicts of interest—academic, financial, or otherwise—that could undermine the credibility of the guideline development process.

WHO is also inviting public feedback on the experts involved. Any concerns regarding conflicts of interest can be submitted for review, ensuring the guideline development process remains transparent and credible.

Efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal sepsis are critical in achieving Sustainable Development Goals and advancing global health initiatives. The upcoming GDG meeting marks another significant step in WHO’s commitment to safeguarding maternal and newborn health worldwide.