WHO launches global roadmap to address hypertensive disorders in pregnancy
These conditions affect an estimated 10% to 15% of pregnancies worldwide and account for approximately 16% of maternal deaths, causing an estimated 42,000 deaths annually.
SWITZERLAND—The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners have launched a global roadmap for 2026 to 2035 and beyond to reduce deaths and complications from hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.
These conditions affect an estimated 10% to 15% of pregnancies worldwide and account for approximately 16% of maternal deaths, causing an estimated 42,000 deaths annually.
They are also associated with more than 500,000 stillbirths and newborn deaths, highlighting the need for earlier detection and timely treatment.
Launched at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Global Conference, the roadmap sets out coordinated actions to improve research, clinical guidance, access to medicines and diagnostics, implementation of proven interventions, advocacy and accountability.
Gaps in diagnosis and treatment
Despite established methods for managing high blood pressure during pregnancy, many women cannot access essential services.
These include routine blood pressure checks, urine protein testing and medicines such as aspirin, antihypertensives and magnesium sulfate.
Shortages of trained health workers, weak referral systems and limited emergency obstetric services can further delay treatment when complications develop.
“Pre-eclampsia can develop in any pregnancy. Whether it becomes fatal depends on whether a woman’s blood pressure was checked in time, and whether quality emergency care was within reach when it turned severe,” said Dr Pascale Allotey, Director of WHO’s Department of Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Child, Adolescent Health and Ageing.
She said the roadmap brings together research, medicines, clinical guidance, health systems and political action to improve women’s chances of surviving pregnancy, regardless of where they live.
The gaps are particularly pronounced in low and middle income countries, where limited antenatal care, diagnostic capacity, medicine supplies and emergency services increase the risk of severe complications.
Poverty, humanitarian emergencies and geographic isolation can further restrict access to timely care.
Research and innovation priorities
The roadmap identifies a gap between the global burden of pre-eclampsia and the development of medicines specifically designed and approved to prevent or treat the condition.
Research investment has focused substantially on diagnostics, while the development of new preventive and treatment options remains underfunded.
To address these shortcomings, WHO convened more than 140 partners at a global summit in May 2026.
Participants identified 20 priority research questions intended to guide investment in methods to predict, detect and treat hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.
The priorities create opportunities for pharmaceutical companies, diagnostic manufacturers, research institutions and funders to support the development of new interventions.
Improved diagnostic tools, accessible medicines and evidence based clinical protocols could strengthen care, particularly in health systems with limited resources.
However, translating research into clinical practice will require coordination among governments, regulators, healthcare providers, manufacturers and development partners.
Reliable supply chains, appropriate clinical training and effective referral systems will also be necessary to ensure that new and existing interventions reach patients.
Long term health risks
The effects of hypertensive disorders can extend beyond pregnancy.
Women who experience these conditions face increased risks of chronic hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke and kidney disease later in life.
Children exposed to these complications during pregnancy may also face health risks associated with preterm birth and longer-term cardiovascular and metabolic conditions.
These effects reinforce the importance of appropriate follow-up for mothers and children after delivery.
WHO calls on governments, funders, researchers, healthcare professionals, industry, civil society, and development partners to coordinate investment and implementation so proven interventions and future innovations reach the women and babies who need them.
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