WHO and partners launched a plan on October 8 to curb deaths from high blood pressure in pregnancy. Presented in Utrecht, the Netherlands, at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Global Congress, it covers 2026–2035 and beyond, according to WHO and UMC Utrecht.
WHO estimates that these disorders affect 10–15% of pregnancies and account for about 16% of maternal deaths: roughly 42,000 a year. They are also linked to more than 500,000 stillbirths and newborn deaths. Pre-eclampsia is among the conditions targeted by the initiative.
The agency reports gaps in blood-pressure checks, urine protein tests and access to aspirin, antihypertensive medicines and magnesium sulfate. Shortages of skilled staff, weak referral networks and limited emergency obstetric care can delay treatment. WHO says poverty, isolation and humanitarian crises heighten risks.
UMC Utrecht says the plan links five priorities: research, clinical standards, medical products, implementation and accountability. Its researchers helped develop the framework with international partners and patient groups. The university medical centre says the next challenge is turning commitments into earlier detection and better care.
WHO highlights a shortage of drugs specifically developed and approved to prevent or treat pre-eclampsia or eclampsia. It says more than 140 partners met in May 2026 to identify 20 research priorities. The plan seeks to direct investment toward better prediction, detection and treatment.
UMC Utrecht points to research in Ghana and Tanzania on risk prediction and care, including home blood-pressure monitoring in Ghana. It says cooperation must now translate into practical action. The WHO roadmap prioritizes stronger health systems and fair access to quality care, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
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