Maternal mortality is a genuinely serious concern for underdeveloped nations.

According to new data published in the report, Trends in maternal mortality 2000 to 2023, a woman died almost every two minutes from complications during childbirth in 2023.

Beyond that, over 700 women died from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth every single day in the same year, leading to 260,000 deaths in total.

It becomes scarier when we realise that most of these deaths could have been prevented.

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What is the leading cause of maternal mortality?

With the lifetime risk of 1 in 66 women likely to die from a maternal cause in low-income countries, it has become necessary to know the leading cause of maternal mortality.

Severe bleeding (haemorrhage) after childbirth is the major complication that causes around 75% of all maternal deaths.

Other major complications that account for this grossly disturbing statistic include:

• Infections (usually after childbirth)

• High blood pressure during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia and eclampsia)

• Complications from delivery; and

• Unsafe abortion.

  Most of these complications are not only preventable but also treatable. Some of them, in fact, develop during pregnancy.

There are other social and cultural factors that can affect maternal health outcomes. They include:

• Education, ethnicity, race, gender and income

• Harmful gender stereotypes, biases and inequalities that restrict girls and women’s rights

• Poor health systems involving a lack of adequate trained and competent health workers and essential medical supplies; and

• External factors like conflict and humanitarian hardships which cause instability.

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What’s the difference between maternal mortality ratio (MMR) and maternal deaths?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) as the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births during a given time period.

The 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) defines maternal death as “the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management but not from unintentional or incidental causes.”

The difference is that maternal deaths show how many women are dying while MMR shows how dangerous it is to be pregnant in that country.

A country can have a higher MMR with fewer maternal deaths because fewer women give birth there but the risk per birth is high.

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Countries with the highest maternal mortality ratio (MMR)

Now let’s look at the five countries with the highest maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in the world, according to the Trends in maternal mortality 2000 to 2023 report released in 2025.

Among these five, note that only one country tops both lists of the highest number of maternal deaths and the highest MMR.

This means that the country has:

• A huge number of women giving birth; and also

• A very high chance of dying from it.

  The country is, therefore, struggling with the quality and reach of maternal care across board. It needs urgent, large-scale maternal health interventions.

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Find out which country it is below.

• Liberia – Liberia had an estimated MMR of 628, meaning that 628 women died per 100,000 live births in 2023. Although the risk per birth is high in this country, only 1,100 women died in total within the given year.

• South Sudan – South Sudan’s estimated MMR is 692, with a total of 2,300 maternal deaths throughout the entire year. This indicates that fewer women are giving birth in the country but the risk of dying from maternal causes is pretty high.

• Central African Republic (CAR) – CAR also had an estimated MMR of 692 per 100,00 live births. However, they recorded only 1,700 maternal deaths throughout 2023.

• Chad – Chad’s estimated MMR in 2023 is 748 per 100,000 live births. However, a total of 6,300 women died from maternal causes in the country in 2023.

  The MMR is considered High if it is 300–499 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, Very high if it is 500–999 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, and Extremely high if it is greater than or equal to 1,000 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.

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Which country has both the highest MMR and highest number of maternal deaths in the world?

Nigeria. Nigeria’s estimated MMR is 993, meaning that approximately 993 women died per 100,000 live births in 2023.

With approximately 75,000 maternal deaths in the same year, Nigeria also had highest number of maternal deaths in the world, accounting for more than a quarter (28.7%) of all estimated global maternal deaths in 2023.

However, the three other countries that also had more 10,000 maternal deaths in 2023, did not feature on the countries with the highest MMR list.

This means that while they have a higher population of women that give birth, the risk of maternal death per birth is lower in those countries.

They are: India (19,000), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (19,000) and Pakistan (11,000), accounting for 7.2%, 7.2% and 4.1% of global maternal deaths, respectively.

Together, the four countries (Nigeria, India, DRC, and Pakistan) accounted for almost half (47%) of all maternal deaths globally in 2023.

ALSO READ: Improving maternal healthcare in rural Nigeria with free drugs and birthing kits

Possible ways to lower the maternal mortality rate in underdeveloped nations

SOURCE: Trends in maternal mortality estimates 2000 to 2023: estimates by WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, World Bank Group and UNDESA/Population Division. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2025.

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Renowned Nigerian chef and entrepreneur Gbubemi Fregene, popularly known as Chef Fregz, has launched four new brands under the newly established Chef Fregz Group at a private launch event titled FOURWARD, held March 26, 2025, at the Mike Adenuga Centre in Lagos.

The highly anticipated launch brought together industry leaders, celebrity guests, creatives, food lovers, and friends of the brand to witness a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s culinary and creative scene. The evening was further elevated with the sponsorship of leading brands, including Knorr, Coca-Cola, PESA, Vendy, Eventful Plus, Elles Ice, and Sara.O.

Guests were welcomed into the venue with carefully curated cocktails and a selection of gourmet small chops—beef sliders, tozo puffs, chicken suya, and glazed prawns—all elegantly served from one of the newly unveiled arms of the Group: Canapés by Chef Fregz. The delicious welcome was a prelude to the main event: the reveal of four passion-driven brands.

The programme opened with a welcome by Chef Wayne Lawal, Head Chef at the Chef Fregz Group, followed by a reflective worship session and a fireside chat with Chef Fregene himself. 

Speaking on the inspiration behind FOURWARD, he said, “This moment is the manifestation of a dream I’ve carried in my heart for over two decades. Long before the brand, long before the accolades—I knew I wanted to build something meaningful. Something that spoke to our culture, our creativity, and our community. Last year tested me in ways I never imagined, but this dream stayed alive through it all. Tonight, I get to share it with the world.”

The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the four distinct brands under the Chef Fregz Group, conducted by Mrs Yewande Zaccheaus, Chairman of Eventful Ltd. With grace and heartfelt words, she led the moment to resounding applause as guests were introduced to the next chapter of the Chef Fregz vision.

•Iya Freggz, rooted in local flavours and Nigerian soul food.

•The Fregz Atelier, a creative consultancy offering branding, strategy, and storytelling for individuals and businesses.

•Jaiye, a spirited food experience designed to celebrate global flavours and the joy of dining.

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•Canapés by Chef Fregz, an elevated catering solution for premium events.

A panel session followed, featuring Cassandra Collins, Marketing Manager at PESA, and Samson Ogunfunwa, Lead, Sales & Partnerships at Vendy, alongside Chef Fregene. The conversation explored entrepreneurship and collaboration across sectors. Audience members engaged in a thoughtful Q&A session, offering reflections and raising questions that affirmed the relevance and resonance of the vision behind FOURWARD. 

In his closing remarks, Chef Fregz expressed deep gratitude to everyone who had walked this journey with him, reminding guests that while FOURWARD may be a new beginning, it is built on years of quiet labour, vision, and love. The new launch marks the bold next chapter for one of the most recognisable names in Nigeria’s food scene.

Glass skin, a term that originated in South Korea, refers to a complexion that is so smooth, luminous, and hydrated, it resembles a pane of glass. 

While the beauty trend first gained traction in East Asia, melanin-rich skin can also achieve this radiant, dewy glow with the proper care and consistency. The key lies in understanding your skin’s unique needs and using products that enhance, rather than disrupt, its natural balance.

Here’s a 5-step glass skin routine tailored specifically for melanin queens who want to unlock their skin’s inner glow.

ALSO READ: How to naturally reduce excess melanin in your skin

1. Double Cleanse for a Fresh Start

The first rule of glowing skin is a clean canvas. A double cleanse ensures every trace of dirt, makeup, sunscreen, and pollution is removed from the skin without stripping away natural oils.

• First cleanse: Use an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup and sunscreen.

• Second cleanse: Follow up with a gentle, hydrating water-based cleanser to cleanse the skin thoroughly.

  This step prevents clogged pores, reduces dullness, and lays the groundwork for the rest of your routine. Look out for ingredients like chamomile, green tea, or centella asiatica to calm inflammation often experienced with melanin-rich skin.

2. Exfoliate Gently but Regularly

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and encourages cell turnover, which is crucial for a glowing complexion. However, melanin-rich skin is more prone to hyperpigmentation, so harsh scrubs and over-exfoliation should be avoided.

• Opt for chemical exfoliants like lactic acid, mandelic acid, or PHAs (polyhydroxy acids), which are gentler than AHAs.

• Start with once or twice a week and increase based on how your skin responds.

  This step helps to fade dark spots and smooth out uneven texture without triggering irritation.

3. Hydrate with an Essence or Toner

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Hydration is the heartbeat of glass skin. After cleansing and exfoliating, apply a hydrating toner or essence to plump the skin and prepare it for deeper product absorption.

• Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, rose water, or snail mucin for intense hydration.

• Apply using your hands and gently pat into the skin for better absorption.

  This step instantly boosts the skin’s radiance and leaves it feeling soft and supple.

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4. Treat and Nourish with a Serum

Serums are concentrated treatments that target specific skin concerns. For melanin-rich skin aiming for that glassy glow, choose serums that promote brightness, even tone, and hydration.

• Niacinamide helps reduce hyperpigmentation and regulate sebum.

• Vitamin C boosts collagen and fades dark spots.

• Peptides and ceramides strengthen the skin barrier.

  Apply your serum and press it gently into your skin, allowing it to absorb fully before moving to the next step.

5. Seal It All with Moisturiser and SPF

A good moisturiser locks in hydration, while sunscreen protects your glow from UV damage—one of the main culprits behind hyperpigmentation in melanin-rich skin.

• Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser that keeps skin hydrated without clogging pores.

• Follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every morning—even on cloudy days or when indoors.

Look for sunscreens formulated for darker skin tones to avoid a white cast, such as those with transparent zinc oxide or chemical filters.

Achieving glass skin isn’t about perfection, it’s about consistency, care, and confidence. With this five-step routine tailored for melanin-rich skin, you’ll be nourishing your skin in all the right ways to unlock that healthy, radiant glow.

Remember, beauty isn’t about altering your skin but enhancing its natural brilliance. So, queens, get glowing, your skin deserves to shine!

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