El Salvador achieved a sustained reduction in maternal mortality, which declined from 62.9 deaths per 100 000 live births in 2021 to 34.5 in 2022. Based on the available data, the maternal mortality ratio continued its downward trend, reaching 26.8 in 2023 and 2024, and 21.8 in 2025.

PAHO contributed through a comprehensive review of key policies and regulatory frameworks, including Crecer Juntos, the Nacer con Cariño Law, the Amor Convertido en Alimento Law, and the Nacer con Cariño model of maternity care, ensuring their alignment with scientific evidence and regional standards. In addition, the Organization supported the strengthening of the life-course approach to care, the recovery of essential services following the COVID-19 pandemic, and the enhancement of health workers’ clinical competencies, particularly in the management of obstetric emergencies. Technical cooperation also included the promotion of digital transformation, notably the nationwide adoption of the unique identification number at birth to improve continuity of care and health information management.

These results strengthen the resolutive capacity of the health system, reduce disparities in access to quality maternal and neonatal care services, and directly contribute to improving health outcomes for women, newborns, and families, in line with national and regional priorities.

Photo caption: The first workshop on Zero Maternal Deaths from obstetric emergencies.
Credit: PAHO