Income Inequality

Maternal mortality in low-income countries declined but remained far above high-income levels. Large income-related disparities in maternal and child health persisted throughout the study period. Under-five mortality fell substantially in low-income countries but remained the highest burden among income groups. Nurses and midwives per 1,000 people rose in high- and upper-middle-income countries but declined in lower-middle- and low-income countries. In 2023, neonatal mortality in low-income countries was about seven times higher than in high-income countries. High-income countries had low maternal mortality, but it rose between 2000 and 2023 and surged during the pandemic period.