In 2008, it was estimated that 52 000 women and 510 000 newborns died due to complications from pregnancy and childbirth in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region. Around 50% of newborn babies in the Region are still delivered away from health-care facilities and 40% of deliveries are unattended by skilled health personnel. At the same time, only 31.1% of married couples are using modern contraceptive methods to achieve optimal birth spacing, with a total fertility rate as high as 4.0 children per woman.

Parents can achieve optimal birth spacing by planning how many children they want and when they want to have them. After a birth, the recommended interval before attempting the next pregnancy is at least 2 years. This interval helps to reduce health risks for both mother and baby.