Ethiopia has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. It is estimated that every year, about 25,000 mothers die and 400,000 more suffer long-term disabilities due to complications during pregnancy, delivery or postpartum period. The leading causes of death are abortion, sepsis, hemorrhage, and obstructed labor. The majority of these deaths are preventable with affordable interventions.

The health of newborns is also poor. With 39 newborn deaths per 1000 live births, Ethiopia is among the five countries that account for half of Africa's newborn deaths. Factors that contribute to the poor health status of pregnant women and their newborns in Ethiopia include a high fertility rate, widespread poverty, low female literacy, low nutrition status, and poor access to health services. About 85% of women deliver at home, and about one in three use traditional birth attendants while the others assisted by relatives and family members. Midwifery skills in the country are very scarce, with a ratio of one midwife to almost 20,000 women in the reproductive age.

In recognition of these issues, the FMoH has made strong commitment to the reduction of maternal and child mortality. FMoH has been utilizing the Health Services Development Program (HSDP) strategies to address these issues.

The HSDP has framed its progress in terms of:

• births by skilled attendants
• antenatal coverage
• postnatal coverage
• Contraceptive use.

From 1994 to 2000 (EFY), there has been tremendous progress in all of these areas (with some variation of success amongst the regions). For example, the National contraceptive acceptance rate in 1994 (EFY) was 14% when compared to the 51% rate in 2000. Similarly, supervised deliveries and postnatal coverage has increased from 10% and 7% in 1994 to 25% and 20% in 2000 respectively.