WHO roadmap targets pregnancy-related hypertension behind 42,000 deaths a year
WHO and partners have launched a roadmap for 2026–2035 and beyond to address hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia. WHO estimates these conditions complicate 10–15% of pregnancies and account for around 16% of maternal deaths worldwide, as well as more than 500,000 stillbirths and newborn deaths.
Bottom line — WHO is calling for coordinated investment in research, medicines, diagnostics and care to prevent deaths from pregnancy-related hypertension.
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WHO says many women lack reliable access to blood-pressure checks, urine protein tests and essential medicines.
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The roadmap identifies a shortage of medicines developed and approved specifically to prevent or treat pre-eclampsia or eclampsia.
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WHO says research investment has focused largely on diagnostics, with chronic underinvestment in new preventive and treatment options.
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At a May 2026 summit, WHO brought together more than 140 partners to identify 20 priority research questions.
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WHO says these disorders can raise mothers’ later risks of chronic hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke and kidney disease.