Beyond disease burden: the urgent need to address maternal health disparities among Indigenous populations in Latin America.

backgroundDespite significant advances in documenting health disparities among Indigenous populations in Latin America, maternal health inequities remain underexplored. Indigenous women in the region face disproportionately high maternal mortality rates, obstetric complications, and inadequate access to maternal health services, exacerbated by systemic barriers such as poverty, geographical isolation, and institutional racism.

methodsThis commentary critically examines the recent review, which provides a comprehensive overview of health disparities affecting Indigenous populations but neglects maternal health. By synthesizing evidence from recent studies, the commentary underscores the urgent need to address maternal health disparities as a key area of health system reform.

findingsEmerging evidence highlights that maternal health disparities among Indigenous women are not only pervasive but also indicative of broader structural discrimination embedded in health systems. Discrimination related to ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status compounds maternal health inequities, leading to preventable maternal mortality and morbidity. These patterns persist despite the relatively low cost of essential maternal health services, such as antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and emergency obstetric care.

conclusionsAddressing maternal health disparities among Indigenous populations in Latin America is crucial for advancing UHC. Integrating equity-oriented policies and targeted interventions that dismantle structural discrimination could substantially reduce preventable maternal deaths and morbidity. Future reviews and regional assessments must prioritize maternal health to provide a more comprehensive understanding of health inequities in the region, aligning with global health equity frameworks and UHC goals.