New blueprint to end postpartum haemorrhage, one of childbirth's deadliest complications
On 12 June 2026 the WHO publicised a Lancet Series on postpartum haemorrhage, severe bleeding after birth, and what it says can be done about it.
Key points
- The WHO news item is dated 12 June 2026 and concerns a Lancet Series on postpartum haemorrhage (excessive bleeding after birth).
- The series estimates that excessive bleeding after birth affects 27 million women and kills nearly 43,000 women every year.
- It concludes that visually estimating blood loss after birth is grossly inaccurate.
What was announced
On 12 June 2026 the World Health Organization (WHO) published a news item on a Lancet Series about postpartum haemorrhage, which means severe bleeding after childbirth. The series estimates that excessive bleeding after birth affects 27 million women and kills nearly 43,000 women every year. It also estimates a cost to countries, health systems and families of over US$ 10 billion each year.
What it means
The series says that visually estimating blood loss after birth is grossly inaccurate and results in missing half of postpartum haemorrhage cases. It also points to missed opportunities to prevent haemorrhage before it starts.
More guides and news
- WHO tracks extreme heat risks in pregnancy Health news · 21 October 2026
- NICE: AI tools for prostate MRI scans Health news · 23 October 2026