2nd Edition of the Public Health and Midwifery World Conference 2026

Abstract

Background: Abortion particularly unsafe abortion remains a critical public health issues in in sub- Saharan African countries, causing substantial maternal mortality and morbidity in the region. Despite various initiatives implemented to reduce abortion-related deaths, the problem persists in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Objective: To estimate trends in abortion incidence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in sub-Saharan Africa from 1990 to 2021.

Methods: The burden of abortion was analyzed using age-standardized incidence, death, and DALY rates by sub-region and country. Annual and total percentage changes were calculated to assess trends, and line graphs and tables were used for regional comparisons.

Results: The age-standardized incidence rate of abortion declined from 2,414.9 per 100,000 in 1990 to 1,695.3 per 100,000 in 2021, a 29% reduction (95% UI: 0.32, −0.28) in SSA. Deaths form abortion fell from 8.55 (95% UI: 6.9 to 10.22) to 1.94 per 100,000 (95% UI: 1.56to2.45), while DALYs decreased from 476.9 (95% UI: 388.6to566.2) to 109.4 per 100,000 (95% UI: 89.2to136.6). Eastern Africa showed the greatest decline in deaths of abortion (APCto5.76%) and DALYs (APC to5.67%), while Southern Africa recorded the smallest reduction in incidence of abortion with (APC to0.27%).

Conclusion and recommendations:  The incidence, death, and DALYs from abortion in sub-Saharan Africa decreased from 1990 to 2021. The largest reduction in mortality and DALYs was observed in Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa, while the greatest decline in incidence occurred in Central Sub-Saharan Africa. Although all regions show improvement, Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa had the highest incidence rates in both 1990 and 2021, indicating persistent challenges. There is a need for targeted interventions in regions with slower progress, especially Eastern and Western Sub-Saharan Africa.